Eurobasket Daily News Report: 9/2/2012 1:04:01 AM

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/2/2012 1:04:01 AM

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Men News

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Cibona keep experienced Davor Kus - by Eurobasket News

Cibona keep experienced Davor Kus (191-G-78, agency: Interperformances) for the upcoming season. The Croatian player will enter another season with the team.
Last year Cibona agreed on terms of contract with Davor Kus in November. In 2011/2012 he averaged 7.7ppg, 1.1rpg, 2.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 39.6%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 73.8% in Croatian league and in EuroCup had 11.3ppg, 2.5apg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 84.6%. In Adriatic League his stats read 11.3ppg, 1.1rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT-2 (92.6%).
The guard spent the earlier season with Fuenlabrada. He tallied 8.5 points, 2.0 assists and 1.3 rebounds per game in ACB.
Davor Kus was not new to Cibona. He played for the Croatian powerhouse back in 2000-2007 as well as 2008/09 seasons. Eurobasket.com named Davor Kus All-Croatian A1 League Player of the Year in 2007. The guard also had spells with Line Rijeka, AEK Athens, Unicaja Malaga and Benetton Treviso. Davor Kus was the member of Croatian National Team in 1999-2010 seasons. He participated at Olympic Games in Beijing, 2007 and 2009 EuroBaskets and World Championship in Turkey in 2010.

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AFRICAN CHAMPIONS CUP

2012 ACCMW Qualifiers: First Deepwater, First Bank takes rivalry to Liberia - by Olusegun Ikuesan

......As Pillars confront Liberia Oilers
Nigeria women league champion First Deepwater basketball club and rival First Bank basketball club continue their rivalry at the FIBA Africa Champions Cup Zone-3 qualifiers Sunday in Monrovia, Liberia in the opening day of the elimination.

First Deepwater basketball club who beat First Bank basketball club to the Nigeria league title in the last three seasons is set to continue from it left off back home.

Both sides playing in a pool of five teams that includes two Liberian sides C-Delta and K-Delta basketball clubs and Abidjan Basket Club (ABC) of Cote dIvoire knows the important of an opening game.

Liberian champion C-Delta basketball club will open the women qualifiers against ABC of Cote dIvoire at 10H00 while K-Delta basketball club is drawn bye.

In men pool which also have five teams Nigeria Kano Pillars basketball club will stage it pride against Liberia champion, Oilers basketball club of Monrovia at 16H00; Uhuru Kings basketball club of Liberia will take on ABC basketball club of Cote dIvoire while Nigerian champion Royal Hoopers basketball club who is still being expected is drawn bye.

The qualifiers is billed for the basketball gymnasium of the Samuel Kayon Doe (SKD) Sports Complex in Monrovia, Liberia.

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ARGENTINA

Torneo Federal 2012/13 - by Facundo Iatzky

CABB released the list of 50 teams that will participate of sendo edition of Torneo Federal, third division of proffesional basketball in argentina.
The teams will be divided in three conferences: north, south and patagonia, and there will be some divisions in the northern and southern conference.
The league will start on Octobe 12

Clubs Division NOA
CLUB UNION ORAN (Salta)
CLUB MUNICIPAL EL BORDO (Salta)
CLUB ATLETICO TALLERES (Tafi Viejo, Tucuman)
CLUB ATLETICO INDEPENDIENTE (Tucuman)
CLUB ASOCIACION MITRE (Tucuman)
NICOLAS AVELLANEDA BBC (Santiago del Estero)

Clubs Division NEA
CLUB DOMINGO FAUSTINO SARMIENTO (Formosa)
CLUB TOKIO DEPORTIVO Y SOCIAL (Posadas, Misiones)
CLUB ATLETICO SANTA RITA (Esquina, Corrientes)
HINDU CLUB (Resistencia, Chaco)
CLUB DE REGATAS RESISTENCIA (Chaco)
UNCAus (Roque Saenz Pena, Chaco)

Clubs Division Entre Rios
RACING CLUB (Gualeguaychu, Entre Rios)
CLUB ATLETICO FERROCARRIL (Concordia, Entre Rios)
CLUB REGATAS URUGUAY (Concepcion del Uruguay, Entre Rios)
CLUB ATLETICO ROSARIO DE TALA (Entre Rios)
CENTRO SPORTIVO PENAROL (Rosario del Tala, Entre Rios)
FIRMAT FOOTBALL CLUB (Santa Fe)

Clubs Division Santa Fe
ASOC. MUTUAL Y SOCIAL CLUB A. BROWN (San Vicente, Santa Fe)
SPORTIVO ATLETICO CLUB (Las Parejas, Santa Fe)
CLUB ATLETICO ALMA JUNIORS (Esperanza, Santa Fe)
CLUB ATLETICO ARGENTINO (Firmat, Santa Fe)
CLUB ATLETICO UNION (Santa Fe)
CLUB DEPORTIVO Y SOCIAL SPORTSMEN UNIDOS (Rosario, S.Fe)

Clubs Division Cuyo
CLUB EL CHORRILLERO (Juana Koslay, San Luis)
SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA (San Luis)
ASOCIACION DEPORTIVA ANZORENA (Mendoza)
CENTRO DEPORTIVO RIVADAVIA (Mendoza)
ATENAS SPORT CLUB (San Jose, Guaymallen, Mendoza)

Clubs Division Central Andina
CLUB ATLETICO BARRIO PARQUE (Cordoba)
TIRO FEDERAL Y DEPORTIVO MORTEROS (Cordoba)
CLUB SOCIAL Y DEPORTIVO SAN MARTIN (La Rioja)
CLUB SOCIAL Y DEPORTIVO FACUNDO (La Rioja)
CLUB ATLETICO OLIMPIA (Catamarca)

Clubs Division Capital Federal
CLUB ATLETICO VELEZ SARSFIELD
GIMNASIA Y ESGRIMA VILLA DEL PARQUE
FERROCARRIL OESTE
INSTITUCION CULTURAL Y DEPORTIVA PEDRO ECHAGUE
VILLA MITRE

Clubs Division Buenos Aires
CLUB ATLETICO ESTUDIANTES (Olavarria)
CLUB INDEPENDIENTE DE TANDIL
CLUB UNIN VECINAL LA PLATA
CLUB GRAL. JOSE de SAN MARTIN (Junin)
CLUB ESTUDIANTES LA PLATA

Clubs conference Patagonia
CLUB ALL BOYS (Santa Rosa, La Pampa)
CLUB SOCIAL Y DEPORTIVO PERFORA (Plaza Huincul, Neuquen)
CLUB ATLETICO REGINA (Villa Regina, Rio Negro)
CLUB DEL PROGRESO (General Roca, Rio Negro)
CLUB SOCIAL Y DEPORTIVO ROCA (General Roca, Rio Negro)
A. CLUB DEPORTIVO HISPANO AMERICANO (Rio Gallegos, S. Cruz)

Boca Juniors fire past Lanus in test game - by Eurobasket News

Boca Juniors - Lanus 74:67

Boca Juniors celebrated a pre-season victory over Lanus. Mac Hopson (188-G-87, college: Idaho) and John DeGroat (198-F-85, college: Pittsburgh) scored 16 points each to lead Boca Juniors to the win.
Lanus got to the better start. They enjoyed a 9:0 lead early in the game. Boca Juniors denied the deficit and drew things level at 15 after ten minutes. Boca Juniors pulled in front in the second quarter. They established a 34:29 halftime advantage. The margin grew in the third term. Boca Juniors accumulated an 18-point buffer before the final quarter 58:42. Lanus exploded with 26 points in the fourth term but just cut the deficit at the end. Federico Van Lacke (191-G-80) notched 14 points, while Aguerre netted 11 points for the winners. Robert Battle (204-C-81, agency: Dream Team Management, college: Drexel) answered with 19 points for Lanus. Nicolas Laprovittola (188-PG-90) netted 14 points in the loss.

Boca Juniors: Mac Hopson 16, John DeGroat 16, Federico Van Lacke 14
Lanus: Robert Battle 19, Nicolas Laprovittola 14

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AUSTRALIA

Cougars win SBL Grand Final - by Hugh McAuliffe

The Cockburn Cougars have broken their 20 year Championship drought and been named the SBL 2012 Champions with a 33-point victory over the East Perth Eagles at the WA Basketball Centre on Saturday night.

The Cougars controlled the game from start to finish; their big man, Brian Carlwell, and guard Damian Scott both hit a massive 21 points, while a strong game from Jeremiah Wilson (203-F-87, college: Tarleton St.) with 20 rebounds and 19 points helped Cockburn claim the largest winning margin in an SBL Grand Final.

Cockburn coach Stephen Charlton said his team have been working towards this win all season and thought his whole team did an outstanding job, especially the game MVP, Wilson.

We focused all year on getting better and better defensively, every time we practice, every time we step on the floor and theyre pretty talented too and even when we had patches when we werent great we kept getting stops and thats been the backbone of us all year and tonight was another example, Charlton said.
He [Wilson] is pretty good; 19 [rebounds] and 21 [points] and exciting to go with it; I thought it would be Wilson, but Gavin [Field] was good, young Damian [Scott] was good as well and Brians [Carlwell] job on Jervis was pretty crucial in that big match up. We had a lot of guys step on the floor and all contribute tonight, he added.

The Cougars leapt out to a good start with Carlwell taking the inside shots, while Sheldon McIntyre hit a long bomb to extend the lead for Cockburn. East Perth kept in the game with good offensive play including Jarrod Balcombe with six points and Eagles veteran Joe-Allen Tupea with four points.

The Cougars continued their run in the second term; Carlwell was handy under the basket, knocked back Eagles big, Tom Jervis, and extended the lead to a comfortable 22 points. But Jervis stood up towards the main break rebounding and making shots for his side. Tupea aided their cause with five rebounds and 10 points at the main break, but the Cougars remained in charge by 16 points.

The Eagles came out in the third refreshed with a strong defensive game and had their chance to narrow the margin when Cockburns Carlwell limped off the court with a cramp in his right leg, but only minutes later he returned to get the team back on track. The Cougars surged again just before three quarter time to take the margin back to 22 points.

The Cougars ran home in the fourth; Scott was on fire clocking up 12 points and Grant Davey made his presence felt with six points. Drew Williamson and Nik Donlagic kept fighting for the Eagles, while Jervis dedication to his team landed him in foul trouble before the terms end.

The Eagles had two wins over the Cougars during the season, but the third placed Cockburn managed to get over fourth placed East Perth on the big stage for the final game of the SBL 2012 season.

Cougars centre Brian Carlwell said his Championship winning experience with the team was incredible. "It's amazing. I'm glad I could do it, especially with this group of guys and these fans that we've got. It's ridiculous - I love it," Carlwell said.

Cockburn Cougars: 105 (Carlwell 21, Scott 21, Wilson 19)

East Perth Eagles: 72 (Balcombe 16, Tupea 15, Jervis 15)

MVP Jeremiah Wilson
Crowd: 1926

Central ABL: Forestville Eagles win Men's Grand Final - by Eurobasket News

The Forestville Eagles are the 2012 Central ABL Men's Premiers, defeating Sturt in overtime, 86-78.

Up 16 with 9 minutes to go, Sturt looked almost home, before Forestville went on a 24-8 run to force overtime.

Forestville's Adam Doyle (176-PG-91) was the Grand Final MVP, playing all 45 minutes and scoring 23 points.
Courtesy of: http://www.centralabl.com.au/

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BALTIC LEAGUE

BELGIUM

Belfius Mons-Hainaut starts pre-season with a win (85-93) in Fleurus - by Bert Larsimont

Christian Manzanza (injury), Jordan Garvin (administrative reason) and Mitchel Kouwijzer (190-G-87, who has just signed with CEP Fleurus) were missing on the host side last night. Guy Muya (involved with the Belgian Lions in the Eurobasket 2013 qualifying campaign), Monwell Randle and Alexandre Libert were left on the bench on the Belfius Mons-Hainaut's side.

There was a nice and enthusiastic crowd at the Salle Andre Robert for this excellent scrimmage game. CEP Fleurus took a good lead (+7) mainly due to an excellent start by Kevin Jonniaux (198-G-83) from long range (4 three-pointers in a row), nice presence of Thomas Bauwens (192-F-86) and the hardworking performance of Sead Muric (205-C-81) inside. Nevertheless, the visitors with their excellent US players Ronell Quincy Taylor (196-G-82, college: UAB), Jonathan Wallace (187-G-86, college: Georgetown), Justin Cage (198-F-85, college: Xavier), Josh Bostic (196-F-87, college: Findlay, OH) and Brian Qvale (210-C-88, college: Montana) reacted well after the CEP storm had passed. Belfius Mons-Hainaut was in front at the end of the first quarter: 22-24. CEP Coach Paul Vervaeck took a time-out with 2:13 remaining in the second quarter when the scoreboard showed 38-46. The half-time was reached at 43-49 and Belfius MH Head Coach Yves Defraigne had given some playing time to young Belgian players like Lorenzo Giancaterino (190-F/G-90), Amaury Gorgemans (212-C-92), Emmanuel Lecomte (180-G-95) and Kevin Tumba (192-F/G-91).

The visitors started the third quarter in a pretty strong way and Ronell Taylor was very active in all sectors of the game. Belfius Mons-Hainaut was leading 48-61 with 6:34 remaining in the third quarter. Belgian talents Amaury Marion (196-F-91), Ludovic Pourtoit (182-G-88) and Christian Ilongo (194-F-85) boosted the CEP team which remained 11 points behind at the end of the third quarter: 63-74.

Belfius Mons Hainaut always seemed to control the game and Coach Defraigne made some interesting rotations. Jonathan Wallace, Josh Bostic and Justin Cage will need some time to find each other but this could be an interesting trio to watch this season on the Belfius side. The last minutes of the game were interesting as the young CEP players Louis Hazard (199-F-94), Rik Vandenberghe (208-C-93) and Amaury Marion were able to run down the court in fastbreak situation and even managed to avoid a double digit margin on the final buzzer when Ilongo hit a nice jump shot to make 85-93. A great basketball evening in Province Hainaut and a good scrimmage game for both teams!

Score evolution: 22-24, 38-46, 63-74 and 85-93.

Best scorers:

CEP Fleurus: Jonniaux 20, Marion 10, Ilongo 20, Bauwens 3, Muric 8, Hazard 4, Vandenberghe 7, Pourtoit 13.
Belfius Mons-Hainaut: not available.

Belfius Mons-Hainaut will play Royal Aera Excelsior Brussels today in Woluwe Saint-Lambert (at 17:15) and French Pro A team STB Le Havre in Tournai (at 17:00).

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BOSNIA

Igokea blasts Zadar in friendly game, 94-66 - by Eurobasket News

Igokea - Zadar 94-66

Igokea registered third straight preseason win. This time the Adriatic league returnee cruised past Zadar 94-66. Corsley Edwards (205-C/F-79, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Cent.Conn.St.) and Goran Gajovic (199-SF-88, agency: Kotnik Sports Agency) were the leading players in victory with 13 points each. Sinisa Stemberger (195-G-79) followed them with one point less. In the loosing squad, Franko Kastropil (211-C-84) delivered 13 points, while Ivan Batur (201-G/F-91) and Gary Ervin (183-G-83, college: Arkansas) stopped to 12 pts apiece. Second quarter was the crucial one in this meeting. Igokea intensified defense and kept its rival scoreless for 5 minutes. The hosts ended that period with impressive 30-14 for 54-34 halftime lead. Igokea had no troubles to keep the comfortable lead for rest of the way. Actually, they even extended it to the final plus 28. Before Zadar, Igokea was better than Gaz Metan and Partizan.

Igokea: Corsley Edwards 13, Goran Gajovic 13, Sinisa Stemberger 12
Zadar: Franko Kastropil 13, Ivan Batur 12, Gary Ervin 12

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BRAZIL

Valencia keeps Vitor Faverani until 2015 - by Eurobasket News

Vitor Faverani (211-C-88) extended his deal with Valencia through June 2015. The Brazilian big guy penned 2+1 year contract last summer, but the new deal will keep him in the club for the next three seasons. In the latest one Faverani had 8.1 ppg and 3.9 rpg in 34 Liga Endesa games. The player also added 7.2 ppg and 2.9 rpg for 9 games in EuroCup. They reached EuroCup Final together, but failed to Khimky 68-77. Before Valencia, Vitor Faverani spent two years with Murcia. He exploded in 2010/11 averaging 14.9 points and 6.4 rebounds in 34 games. Faverani was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Gold Center of the Year -11, while Murcia won the LEB Gold title and returned to the ACB. In 2009/10 season the player had 6.4 ppg and 3.9 rpg for 27 games in ACB, but they faced with relegation that year. In the past, Vitor Faverani played for Clinicas Rincon, Unicaja, Bruesa, CAI Zaragoza and Lupo/Araraquara (Brazil).

Jermaine Beal and Anthony Walton sign with Minas - by Paulo Freire

The Minas basketball team mad their official presentation for the midia and fans.
The managers came with the announcement of their new sponsor and the sign of the two new american players.
Jermaine Beal (191-G-87, college: Vanderbilt) and Anthony Walton (201-F-80, college: SE Oklahoma) will be with the team for next season.
The managers also renew the contract of young players Wilson Carneiro (175-PG-94) and Tobias Marramarco (190-G-93).
Beal has a NBA d league experience while Walton played in Mexico and France, both players had their deal done while ago but only now have been official confirmed by the team.

Pindamonhangaba add players - by Paulo Freire

The Abdala Sports/Sejelp/Pindamonhangaba announce the sign of a group of player for the second division of the Paulista State Championship.
The manager of the team agreed with forward Fernando De Favari (205-C-88, college: BYU-Hawaii) who has college experience in US, the young Danilo Tavares (89) who was playing with Favari also join the club.
Coming from Americana basketball is Weliton Bianchi (F-90) who made a good NBB U-21 last season.
Bruno Cavalcante (201-F/C-91, college: Peninsula JC) who already played in Portugal also sign with the team. The manager also add the young Evander who was playing in Sao Jose dos Campos.

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BULGARIA

Balkan Botevgrad announced Jordan Bozov, Martin Marinov and Lyuben Paskov - by Eurobasket News

Balkan Botevgrad announced Jordan Bozov (191-G-79, agency: Global Sports Plaza), Martin Marinov (190-SG-85) and Lyuben Paskov (198-F-90) for the upcoming season.
Balkan Botevgrad (NBL) added to their roster 33-year old former domestic international guard Jordan Bozov. It's actually his comeback to Botevgrad as he played here before. Bozov played most recently at Levski Sofia (NBL). He was voted to Eurobasket.com Bulgarian League All-Domestic Players Team in 2010. He played also pro basketball in Cyprus, Israel, Spain and Ukraine. Bozov was a member of Bulgarian international program for some years. He was a member of Bulgarian senior national team between 1997 and 2008 and previously for university national team in 2003.
Martin Marinov comes from Rilski Sportist (NBL). In 2011-2012 for Rilski Sportist Samokov (NBL, starting five) he averaged 8.5ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 47.4%, 3PT: 46.3%, FT: 72.0% in Balkan League and in Bulgarian League had 6.5ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.2apg, FGP: 42.1%, 3PT: 30.7%, FT: 72.0%.
The team also agreed terms with 22-year old Bulgarian forward Lyuben Paskov. Paskov played last season at Recklinghausen in German Regionalliga. Paskov played also pro basketball in Estonia, Greece and Spain. He was a member of Bulgarian U20 national team until 2010.

Atila Santos comes back to Cherno More - by Eurobasket News

Atila Santos (208-C-83, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Minnesota St.) comes back to Cherno More for the upcoming season. The Brazilian Center played for the team early in 2008/2009. That year in Round 21 of NBL he was the second MVP with index value 27. Santos scored 17 points and pulled down 16 rebounds against the reigning champ Lukoil Akademik. His Cherno More was not able to win this road game (89-82),
In 2010-2011 he moved to Clube de Regatas do Flamengo (NBB) and in Liga Sudamericana averaged 7.9ppg, 5.0rpg, 1.0spg, FGP: 55.9%, FT: 60.7%. In Liga Americas his stats read 4.2ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.0bpg, while in Brazilian League Santos showed 5.0ppg, 3.9rpg.
In 2011-2012 for Clube de Regatas do Flamengo (NBB) he showed 3.5ppg, 2.3rpg in Liga Sudamericana and in Brazilian League averaged 4.7ppg, 2.3rpg, 4.7apg, 2FGP: 52.4%, FT: 64.7%.
Last season he was named Latinbasket.com Brazilian League All-Defensive Team -11, 12 and reached Brazilian National League Semifinals -11, 12. Moreoved he was voted Latinbasket.com All-Brazilian League Defensive Player of the Year -12.

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CHINA

Marcus Haislip signs with DongGuan - by Eurobasket News

Marcus Haislip (208-F-80, college: Tennessee) signs with DongGuan for the next season.
In 2011 he played for Caja Laboral where he replaced Lior Eliyahu. Marcus Haislip returned to Spain, where he played from 2007 to 2009. At that time he was a member of Unicaja and was one of their best players in both seasons. In 2008/09, he appeared 12 times in Euroleague averaging 10.8 points and 4.8 rebounds. In ACB, Haislip exploded with 15.8 ppg, 5 rpg and 1.1 bpg. He had slightly lower numbers in his first season with the Malaga team.
That season Marcus Haislip started that season with the NBA team San Antonio Spurs. For ten games he registered 2.5 ppg and 1 rpg. In January this year they parted ways and Haislip joined Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos Athens. He helped them to defend the championship title averaging 11 ppg and 5 rpg for 6 games. Haislip also appeared five times in Euroleague adding 6 ppg and 3.2 rpg. In the past, he was a member of Efes Pilsen, Ulker and Milwaukee Buckas. Marcus Haislip is a product of the University of Tennessee, where he graduated in 2002. In his senior season he shined with almost 17 ppg and 7 rpg for 25 games.
In Dec.'11 signed at Foshan (China-CBA) and in 28 games averaged 21.0ppg, 7.0rpg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 35.4%, FT: 78.5%. in Mar.'12 moved to Champville (Lebanon-Div.A, starting five) and showed 22.7ppg, 7.6rpg, 1.4apg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 57.5%, 3PT: 47.7%, FT: 77.1%.

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COLOMBIA

GIOVANNI RIVERA IS THE NEW COACH OF PATRIOTAS - by Victor Garcia

Patriotas de Boyaca released the name of its new coach for the 2012 Colombian Basketball Federation Cup, the Mexican U-18 National team coach Giovanni "Gio" Rivera signed to take the wheel of the Patriotas.
Rivera starts his career as assistant coach in the Mexican LNBP then took head coach jobs at Toluca (LNPB) and Tijuana (CIBACOPA), Rivera has also international experience in Syria coaching the U16 and U18 National teams.
Rivera will arrive soon to the country.

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CROATIA

Olin Edrine agrees with Sasha Cuic - by Eurobasket News

Sasha Cuic (208-F-83, agency: TSS Management, college: Oregon St.) will play next season in Turkey. The 28-year-old Croatian agreed terms with Olin Edrine. Cuic is not a new face in TBL as he played for Erdemir in 2008/09. However, he appeared only twice for the club that season. Sasha Cuic most recently played for Iranian team Shahrdari Gorgan Municipality. It was in 2010/11 season. Before that, Cuic spent one year in the NBA D-League. He started 2009/10 season with Los Angeles D-Fenders collecting 5.8 ppg and 2 rpg for 12 games. Later he added 7 ppg and 4.8 rpg for 20 games with Albuquerque Thunderbirds. In the past, Sasha Cuic played for AEL Limassol, Rotterdam, Udine and Kantrida Rijeka. He also has experience from the Oregon State University.

Real Madrid has no mercy for Cibona, 95-68 - by Eurobasket News

Real Madrid - Cibona 95-68

Real Madrid and Cibona met yesterday in preseason game. Actually, it was the second game of Costa del Sol Tournament and Real Madrid celebrated comfortable 95-68 win. The Spanish giant took control on Cibona from the start making 7-point lead in the first quarter. They jumped to 51-37 until the halftime, after what Cibona finally improved and won Q3 17-20. However, Real Madrid limited its rival to 11 pts in the last ten minutes, while scoring 17 at the other side for the final 27-point win. Nikola Mirotic (207-F/C-91) led Real Madrid with 28 points and Sergio Llull (192-SG-87) followed him with 20. Third scorer in victory was Rudy Fernandez (198-SF-85) with 11 points and newcomer Marcus Slaughter (204-C/F-85, college: San Diego St.) added one less. In Cibona, Tweety Carter (180-PG-86, college: Baylor) had 11 points, while Hrvoje Kovacevic (191-G-86) and Marko Jagodic Kuridza (204-C-87) posted 10 pts each. Real Madrid will play against Unicaja today. On Thursday, Unicaja outplayed Cibona 80-74.

Real Madrid: Nikola Mirotic 28, Sergio Llull 20, Rudy Fernandez 11, Marcus Slaughter 10
Cibona: Tweety Carter 11, Hrvoje Kovacevic 10, Marko Jagodic Kuridza 10

Igokea blasts Zadar in friendly game, 94-66 - by Eurobasket News

Igokea - Zadar 94-66

Igokea registered third straight preseason win. This time the Adriatic league returnee cruised past Zadar 94-66. Corsley Edwards (205-C/F-79, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Cent.Conn.St.) and Goran Gajovic (199-SF-88, agency: Kotnik Sports Agency) were the leading players in victory with 13 points each. Sinisa Stemberger (195-G-79) followed them with one point less. In the loosing squad, Franko Kastropil (211-C-84) delivered 13 points, while Ivan Batur (201-G/F-91) and Gary Ervin (183-G-83, college: Arkansas) stopped to 12 pts apiece. Second quarter was the crucial one in this meeting. Igokea intensified defense and kept its rival scoreless for 5 minutes. The hosts ended that period with impressive 30-14 for 54-34 halftime lead. Igokea had no troubles to keep the comfortable lead for rest of the way. Actually, they even extended it to the final plus 28. Before Zadar, Igokea was better than Gaz Metan and Partizan.

Igokea: Corsley Edwards 13, Goran Gajovic 13, Sinisa Stemberger 12
Zadar: Franko Kastropil 13, Ivan Batur 12, Gary Ervin 12

Cibona keep experienced Davor Kus - by Eurobasket News

Cibona keep experienced Davor Kus (191-G-78, agency: Interperformances) for the upcoming season. The Croatian player will enter another season with the team.
Last year Cibona agreed on terms of contract with Davor Kus in November. In 2011/2012 he averaged 7.7ppg, 1.1rpg, 2.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 39.6%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 73.8% in Croatian league and in EuroCup had 11.3ppg, 2.5apg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT: 35.3%, FT: 84.6%. In Adriatic League his stats read 11.3ppg, 1.1rpg, 3.2apg, FGP: 56.5%, 3PT: 27.3%, FT-2 (92.6%).
The guard spent the earlier season with Fuenlabrada. He tallied 8.5 points, 2.0 assists and 1.3 rebounds per game in ACB.
Davor Kus was not new to Cibona. He played for the Croatian powerhouse back in 2000-2007 as well as 2008/09 seasons. Eurobasket.com named Davor Kus All-Croatian A1 League Player of the Year in 2007. The guard also had spells with Line Rijeka, AEK Athens, Unicaja Malaga and Benetton Treviso. Davor Kus was the member of Croatian National Team in 1999-2010 seasons. He participated at Olympic Games in Beijing, 2007 and 2009 EuroBaskets and World Championship in Turkey in 2010.

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ESTONIA

Rakvere Tarvas tab Brandis Raley-Ross - by Eurobasket News

Rakvere Tarvas bolstered their roster. They added Brandis Raley-Ross (188-G-87, college: S.Carolina) to the squad. The guard is not new to Estonia. Brandis Raley-Ross spent the last season playing for Tallinna Kalev. He tallied 17.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.2 steals per game in Estonian League. Brandis Raley-Ross made it into All-Estonian League 2nd Team. He was also named into Estonian League All-Imports Team. Previously Brandis Raley-Ross played for Svit in Slovakia. The guard is the product of the University of South Carolina. He notched 10.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game in his senior season.

Veski comes back to Palma - by Eurobasket

Palma Air Europa (LEB Silver) added to their roster 26-year old Estonian ex-international center Viljar Veski (215-86). Veski played most recently at Tarvas in Estonian KML. While he played 12 games in Baltic League, he averaged 4.8ppg and 2.5rpg. He helped Tarvas to make it to Baltic League (Challenge Cup) Final. Veski played also in Estonian league where in 21 games he recorded: 8.6ppg and 4.0rpg. He was a member of Estonian senior national team between 2005 and 2010 and previously for university national team in 2005.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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EUROLEAGUE

FRANCE

Strasbourg IG and BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque won the last games in August - by Eurobasket News

Strasbourg IG and BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque won the last games in August as well as JSA Bordeaux (Pro B), Hermine Nantes (Pro B) and Hyeres-Toulon VB (Pro B).
Strasbourg IG (Pro A) outscored BC Souffelweyersheim (NM1) 74:64. The favorites started with 16-12 and added 19-12 in the second frame. BC Souffelweyersheim looked better in the second half and managed to win the last stanza 21-20. Alexis Ajinca (215-C-88, agency: Priority Sports) top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Ricardo Greer (197-F/G-78, college: Pittsburgh) posted 13. DE JONG Nicolas nailed 10, while CAMPBELL Louis delivered 9. Frederic Broliron (193-G-79) ended up with 17 points in the losing effort.
BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque (Pro A) won over Saint-Quentin BB (Pro B) 85:56. ProA team dominated the entire game and won all the quarters. MBAYE Abdoulaye stepped up with 21 points and BUYCKS Dwight followed him with 17. Ousmane Camara (202-C-89) delivered 10 and EDWARDS JK as well as Larry Owens (201-G/F-83, college: ORU) had 8 each. BADIANE Malick reposned with 16 points in defeat and Julien Lesieu (201-C/F-83) scored 11.
In another games JSA Bordeaux (Pro B) beat Cognac BB (NM1) 79:78 and Hermine Nantes (Pro B) overcame ADA Blois (NM1) 83:65. Hyeres-Toulon VB (Pro B) won over JL Bourg-en-Bresse (Pro B) 80:75.

Washington Loses For The First Time On Its Foreign Tour - by Eurobasket News

ANTIBES, France - A cold-shooting night by the Huskies compounded by a hot-shooting Antibes team led to a 27-point defeat, 93-66, for Washington on Thursday in the third game of its foreign tour. Washington is now 2-1 on their 16-day, seven-game trip.
Antibes, a top-division pro team that features four American players, shot 50.7% from the field on 37-of-73 shooting, while the Huskies were just 24-of-77 (31.2%) from the field - including 1-of-14 from 3-point range.

"We played a team tonight that played like a top-15 NCAA team," said Husky Coach Lorenzo Romar . "They were clicking on all cylinders and we shot only 31 percent from the field. We had a lot of open looks, but we just couldn't get the ball to go down.

"Overall, with their team playing that way and with us only having 10 practices before the trip and none since we arrived, it really showed."

Anthony Hilliard (6'4''-G/F-86, college: Elizabeth City) scored 17 points to lead all scorers, while Antibes' Tim Blue scored 13 points - all in the first half - for the host team.

C.J. Wilcox (6'5''-G) led the Huskies with 14 points, but was just 5-for-21 shooting from the floor, including 1-of-7 from 3-point range.

Andrew Andrews came off the bench and scored 13 points. Abdul Gaddy was the only other Husky player in double figures with 10 points.

The Huskies jumped out to a 9-6 lead early in the first quarter, but it was all Antibes after that. The host team went on an 18-0 spurt over a three-minute span starting at the 6:26 mark to go up 24-9. Washington never got closer than 10 points after that.

The Huskies trailed 29-15 after the first and it got worse for the Dawgs when Antibes got their lead up to 25 by scoring the first 11 points in the second quarter. A Wilcox jumper ended that run, but the Huskies were only able to whittle the lead down to 19 by halftime, 53-34.

An inspired Washington team came out in the third quarter and cut Antibes' lead to 10 points on two occasions, thanks to improved defense and better shooting. But, the host team went on a 10-1 run over the final 1:19 of the period to get their lead back to 19 heading into the fourth.

Antibes scored the first 10 points of the fourth to make its run 20-1 before Shawn Kemp hit a short jumper to stop the bleeding. By then it was too late and Antibes cruised home.

"There were a lot of defensive lapses -- probably again due to a lack of practice," Romar said. "It showed tonight and they (Antibes) exposed that."

Despite the lopsided score, Romar was able to find several bright spots from the game.

"I liked the fact that we ran great offense but just couldn't make shots," he said. "We had great looks at the basket. We just could get them to drop."

Another positive for the Huskies was their 53-48 advantage on the glass, the third time in three games they have outrebounded their opponent. Desmond Simmons (6'7''-F) led the rebounding charge, grabbing 11 on the night, while Aziz N'Diaye added 8.

Romar was also pleased that the Huskies shot 17-of-23 from the line - 73 percent - and had only 16 turnovers - 8 of which belonged to Andrews. In the first two games, UW shot 41 percent from the line and averaged almost 25 turnovers a game.

"If we defended better, I'm not sure we would have won the game, but the score would not have been as lopsided as it was," is how Romar summed up the night.

Tomorrow, the Huskies will tour nearby Monaco in the morning, return to their hotel in Nice in the afternoon and head back to Monaco where a top-division team that went 24-2 last season awaits them. The game is scheduled to tip off at 6:00 p.m. (9:00 a.m. PT) at Stade Louis II.
Courtesy of: gohuskies.com

Kyle Austin agreed terms with Evreux - by Eurobasket News

ALM Evreux Basket (ProB) added to their roster 24-year old American forward Kyle Austin (203-88, college: Cal-Riverside). He played most recently at Jaszberenyi in Hungarian A Division. While playing 15 A Division games for Jaszberenyi last season Austin averaged 20.8ppg, 8.1rpg, 2.0apg and 2.5spg. He played also 4 games for VOO Verviers-Pepinster (Belgium) in Belgian Ethias League where he had 5.0ppg and 2.8rpg. The other team Austin played that season was Boras Basket (Sweden), where in 3 Swedish Basketligan games his stats were 17.0ppg, 5.0rpg and 1.0apg. Austins team made it to Portuguese Cup Semifinals in 2011. A very spectacular season in his career as he was voted to Eurobasket.com Hungarian League All-Defensive Team. Austin played also pro basketball in Spain. He graduated University of California, Riverside in 2010 and it will be his third season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Chorale Roanne and Aix-Maurienne SB reach Tournoi des Champions Final - by Eurobasket News

Chorale Roanne and Aix-Maurienne SB reach Tournoi des Champions Final. Both teams overcame another French representatives.
Chorale Roanne (Pro A) beat JDA Dijon (Pro A)74:60. The winners led 42:24 at the halftime and rightfully clinched the victory. Pape-Philippe Amagou (185-G-85, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up with 22 points, while Coleman Collins (206-C/F-86, agency: Interperformances, college: Virginia Tech) had 16 points and 11 rebounds. Voskuil netted 11 and Howard delivered 8. David Melody (184-G-77) replied with 13 points in defeat and Tiggs posted 11.
Aix-Maurienne SB (Pro B) edged ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne (Pro A) 86:65. Wayne Chism (206-PF-87, college: Tennessee) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Cliff Brown added 18. Erroyl Bing (198-C/F-82, college: E.Carolina) scored 11, while Meredis Houmounou (188-SG-88) posted 10.

Salmon is back at Limoges - by Eurobasket Center

Limoges CSP Elite (ProA) agreed terms with 25-year old domestic power forward Aurelien Salmon (204-87). Its actually his comeback to Limoges CSP Elite as he played here before. Salmon played last season at Quimper in ProB. However his team was relegated to NM1. While playing 27 games for Quimper last season Salmon averaged 9.7ppg and 4.1rpg. He played in the final of French ProB in 2010. Salmon played also pro basketball in Slovenia.
By Eurobasket Data Center

Limoges sign Terence Dials - by Eurobasket News

Limoges CSP Elite (ProA) signed 29-year old American power forward Terence Dials (206-113kg-83, college: Ohio State). He played most recently at Pure Youth in Taiwanese SBL. While playing 13 games for Pure Youth last season Dials averaged 10.3ppg and 4.2rpg. Dials played in the final of French ProA in 2009. He was also selected to Eurobasket.com All-Cyprus League 2nd Team in 2011. Dials is a very experienced player. He played also pro basketball in China, Germany and Switzerland.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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GREECE

A.G.O Rethymno Aegean adds Carter to their roster - by Eurobasket Center

A.G.O Rethymno Aegean (A1) agreed terms with 27-year old American guard Marc Antonio Carter (191-85, college: NC-Wilmington, agency: Limelight Hoops). He played last season at Phoenix Hagen in German BBL. While playing 32 games for Phoenix Hagen last season Carter averaged 14.5ppg, 4.3rpg, 2.5apg and 1.3spg. He played also pro basketball in Cyprus. Carter graduated Univ. of N.Carolina-Wilmington in 2008 and it will be his fifth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Kolossos in talks with Kevin Langford - by Eurobasket News

Kevin Langford (204-F/C-85, agency: Dynamics Global Management, college: TCU) could become a new member of Kolossos Rhodes soon. Two sides are already in advanced talks. The American PF/C spent last season in Spain. He averaged 10.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in 41 LEB Gold games with Grupo Iruna Navarra. They reached Playoff Semifinals together. Before Navarra, Kevin Langford spent one year with Hungarian Debrecen collecting 17.1 ppg and 7.3 rpg for 25 appearances. In 2009/10, the American played in Germany and it was his first season as a pro. He had 10.8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for 30 games with Padeborn Basket. Kevin Langford graduated at Texas Christian University in 2009. He is younger brother of Keith Langford (193-SG-83, college: Kansas).

Dedas the new adding of PAOK - by Giorgos Diploidis

After the signing of McGrath today was (01/09) the time for PAOK Thessaloniki to anounce the deal with Giorgos Dedas (200-F-80). Dedas will be the back up small forward of the team of Thessalonki. He has been again in PAOK Thessaloniki the period 2010-11 and after his passing the previous season from Crete and AGOR returs to the club of Soulis Markopoulos.

Last season with AGOR had 4.5ppg, 1.0rpg in 24 games.

The anouncement:

"PAOK Thessaloniki announces the deal with Giorgos Dedas for the season 2012-13, Giorgos Dedas returns to PAOK Thessaloniki after the absence of one period and his co-operation with our club for the period 2010-11".

Enel Brindisi adds Prodromos Nikolaidis for the training camp - by Eurobasket News

Enel Brindisi brought in Prodromos Nikolaidis (201-F-78, agency: Interperformances) for the training camp. The Greek forward spent last season with Marousi. He appeared 19 times in A1 averaging 9.9 points and 1.7 rebounds. Before Marousi, he played two years for AEK Athens. Nikolaidis had better numbers in their first season together registering 12.5 ppg and 3 rpg for 26 games. In 2008/09, the forward played for Trikala and before that he spent one year with Egaleo. Prodromos Nikolaidis already played in Italy, but he appeared only twice for Vidi Vici Bologna in 2006/07 season. In the past, he was a member of Olimpia Larisa, Ionikos and Aris. In 2003, Nikolaidis won FIBA Champions Cup with Aris. In 2009, he was named to Eurobasket.com Greek A1 League All-Domestic Players Team and year after that he participated at Greek A1 League All-Star Game.

Barlos in Brescia - by Chris Mammides

Another one experienced player chose to continue his career in the Italian league. Nikos Barlos (202-F-79) is officially an "italian" as he agreed financial terms with Centrale del Latte Brescia. Nikos Barlos had a great season with Panionios as he ended the season with 9 points and nearly 4 rebounds per game helping into a great extend the team of Coach Bartzokas to reach the thrid spot in the play offs behind Olympiakos and Panathinaikos. Nikso Barlos is a player who can play easily three posts as in Panionios he even played in the center position especially after the serious injury of the American center of the team, Alex Stepheson (205-F-87, college: USC). It is worth mentioned that in Italy there are currently Prodromos Nikolaidis, Linos Chrysikopoulos, Antonis Fotsis, Ioannis Bourousis and probably Michalis Kakiouzis all international players, while there are another dozen (at least) greek non international players in the Italian league

Other transfer news
Giorgos Dedas (200-F-80) finally return to his ex team PAOK and as of today is officially PAOK's player. The Thessaloniki team is expected to sign Lazaros Papadopoulos (210-C-80) within the next couple of days.

OF Irakleio added the Bulgarian center Krum Doychinov (206-C-86)

Marousi BC added Giorgos Kerasovitis (190-G-81) in its roster

Panathinaikos to sign China's National Team Ailun Guo - by Chris Mammides

According to a number of media all over Europe and Asia, the replacement of Stratos Perperoglou in Panathinaikos will be coming from far and away, as it seems that the Chinese international Guo Ailun (192-SF-93) will be his replacement.
According to the media the officiall announcement will take place in a week or so, after his team checks out the buying out since he has signed a contact of a 5+3 years with his current team.
The web page ball in europe states the following:
Panathinaikos wild offseason is apparently not over yet. Previously linked with Yi Jianlian, Sun Yue and Dejun Han, the Greens may finally be ready to sign with a Chinese player (and perhaps gain a nice foothold in that lucrative basketball market): Namely, Guo Ailun of the Liaoning Dinosaurs. According to Bball Headlines, Dinosaurs front office reps stated that they have indeed received documents from Panathinaikos, but a board meeting must be held before the club lets Guo come to the Continent.
The 18-year-old was last seen on the international stage (albeit briefly) in the 2012 Olympic Games, appearing in three games with Team China, including 26 minutes against Brazil in which his 4-of-7 shooting earned Guo eight points. Hes also represented China in the 2010 FIBA World Championship, 2010 FIBA U17 Worlds and the 2011 FIBA U19 Worlds

The Chinese forward averaged 8.6ppg, 2.5rpg and 3.2 apg and 1spg in his las season with his team Liaoning Panpan Hunters in the season 2011-2012

Avis Wyatt agreed terms with Ikaros - by Eurobasket News

Ikaros Kallitheas (A1) added to their roster 28-year old American power forward Avis Wyatt (211-100kg-84, college: Virginia State). He played most recently at Groningen in Dutch Eredivisie. While playing 6 Eurocup games for Groningen last season Wyatt averaged 8.7ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.0apg, 2.5spg and 2.0bpg. He played also 37 games in Eredivisie where he had 8.4ppg, 5.9rpg, 1.4apg, 1.0spg and 1.6bpg. Wyatt helped them to make it to the semifinals. It was a very successful year in his career as he was voted to Eurobasket.com All-Dutch Eredivisie Honorable Mention. Wyatt played also pro basketball in Cyprus and Israel. He graduated Virginia State in 2007 and it will be his sixth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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HOLLAND

Mitchel Kouwijzer joins CEP Fleurus - by Fred Roggen

Dutch point guard Mitchel Kouwijzer (190-G-87, agency: Court Side) signed a deal with Belgium second division team of CEP Fleurus for the 2012-2013 season, after a try-out on Tuesday. Mitchel Kouwijzer arrives from Dutch side Stepco BS Weert where he averaged 6.1ppg, 1.0rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 36.5%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 73.6% in 26 Dutch Basketball League games last season.
He will join the "Black and Yellow" squad on Monday 3 September. CEP Fleurus has ambitious plans for the upcoming Belgium 2012/13 2nd National season.

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HUNGARY

ZTE inks American PG Omar Krayem - by Eurobasket News

Omar Krayem (185-G-86, college: Cal.Baptist) will continue his career in Hungary. The American point guard penned a deal with ZTE for the upcoming season, according to Basketsverige.se. Krayem was practicing with Stockholm Eagles recently. The player spent last season with Boras Basket. He helped them reach Basketligan Semifinals and was named Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan Guard of the Year -12. The PG shined with 18.6 ppg, 6.1 apg, 4.4 rpg and 2 spg in 45 games. In 2010/11 season Omar Krayem was Player of the Year in BasketEttan. He exploded with 27.2 ppg, 6.4 apg, 4.8 spg and 4.5 rpg for 19 games with KSF Srbija Malmo. It was his first season as a pro. Krayem played for California Baptist University (NCAA2) in 2008/09 season. He also has experience from the Eastern Washington University (NCAA1).

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IRELAND

U 18, U 20 and Senior National Cup Draws. - by Patrick Maher

U18 Men's National Cup 2012/13

September 22nd/23rd

Pool 1a:
St. Marys Castleisland (Kerry)
Swords Basketball Club (Dublin)
Kestrels (Kildare)

Pool 1b:
UCD Marian (Dublin)
Dublin Lions (Dublin)
Letterkenny Blaze (Donegal)
DCU Mercy (Dublin)

Pool 2a:
Dublin Raiders (Dublin)
Blue Demons (Cork)
Limerick Lions (Limerick)
Sligo All Stars (Sligo)

Pool 2b:
Ballincollig BC (Cork)
Moycullen (Galway)
Belfast Star (Antrim)

Pool 3a:
Maree (Galway)
Fr.Matthews (Cork)
Limerick Lakers (Limerick)

Pool 3b:
Killester BC (Dublin)
Neptune BC (Cork)
Tolka Rovers (Dublin)
St.Vincents (Dublin)

Pool 4a:
Templeogue (Dublin)
Titans (Galway)
killorglin BC (Kerry)

Pool 4b:
KUBS (Dublin)
St Brendans BC (Kerry)
Ballina Braves (Mayo)
Phoenix BC (Antrim)

U20 Mens National Cup 2012/13

Round 1 - October 20th/21st
Game 1: KUBS BC (Dublin) -V- UCC Demons (Cork)
Game 2: Neptune BC (Cork) -V- Fr. Matthews (Cork)
Game3: St. Brendans Basketball Club (Kerry) -V- Maree (Galway)

Round 2 November 10th/11th

Game 1: KUBS BC/UCC Demons -V- Neptune BC /Fr. Matthews
Game 2: St. Brendans Basketball Club/Maree -V- Templeogue BC (Dublin)
Game 3: Ballincollig BC (Cork) -V- Donegal Town BC (Donegal)
Game 4: Limerick Lakers (Limerick)-V- Tolka Rovers (Dublin)
Game 5: Belfast Star (Antrim) -V- Phoenix BC (Antrim)
Game 6: Titans BC (Galway) -V- Moycullen (Galway)
Game 7: Killester BC (Dublin) -V- St. Vincents (Dublin)
Game 8: Swords Basketball Club (Dublin) -V- Dublin Raiders (Dublin)

Quarter Finals December 1st/2nd

Game 1: Winner of Game 2 -V- Winner of Game 1
Game 2: Winner of Game 3 -V- Winner of Game 4
Game 3: Winner of Game 5 -V- Winner of Game 6
Game 4: Winner of Game 7 -V- Winner of Game 8

Senior Mens National Cup 2012/13

Round 1 October 20th/21st
Game 1: Blue Demons (Cork) -V- Ballon (Carlow)
Game 2: TLB Kilkenny (Kilkenny) -V- Fr. Matthews (Cork)
Game 3: MOF Titans (Galway) -V- Team Loftus Recycling Ballina (Mayo)
Game 4: Neptune BC (Cork) -V- Ulster Elks (Antrim)

Round 2 November 10th/11th

Game 1: Blue Demons/Ballon -V- TLB Kilkenny/Fr. Matthews
Game 2: MOF Titans/Team Loftus Recycling Ballina -V- Neptune BC/Ulster Elks
Game 3: Eanna BC (Dublin) -V- Maree (Galway)
Game 4: St. Brendans Basketball Club (Kerry) -V- Templeogue (Dublin)
Game 5: St. Vincents (Dublin) -V- LYIT Ravens (Donegal)
Game 6: Team Garveys St. Marys (Kerry) -V- Dublin Thunder (Dublin)
Game 7: Tolka Rovers (Dublin) -V- UCD Marian (Dublin)
Game 8: Donegal Town (Donegal) -V- Killester BC (Dublin)

Quarter Finals December 8th/9th

Game 1: Winner of Game 2 -V- Winner of Game 1
Game 2: Winner of Game 3 -V- Winner of Game 4
Game 3: Winner of Game 5 -V- Winner of Game 6
Game 4: Winner of Game 7 -V- Winner of Game 8

Superleague Cup Draw to follow :

Courtesy : Shane Whelan .... www.basketballireland.ie

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ISRAEL

Afula adds Anthony Fisher and Allen Durham - by Netanel Dahan

Hapoel Afula finsihed the building process for the 2012/13 season by signing Anthony Fisher (191-G-86) and Allen Durhan.

Before joining to Afula, Anthony Fisher (Ten Tec) played in Gmunden, Frankfurt Kotwica and last season he played for Ludwigsburg from Germany Bundesliga.

He avaraged last season: 9.8ppg, 1.9rpg, and 1.5apg.

Allen Durham (198-F-88) spent the last season playing for 2 diffrent teams in Finalnd and Romania (Dinamo Bucuresti& Salon Vilpas Vikings), he played in Eurobasket Summer league in Las Vages in team Lugano.. He led the league in Romania in rebounds (13.7) adn was 2nd on scoring with 23.3 ppg. In Finland he had 18.9ppg, and was 2nd in rebounding (11.2rpg).

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ITALY

Reggio Emilia and Dawan Robinson part ways - by Eurobasket News

Dawan Robinson (189-G-82, college: Rhode Island) is no longer a member of Trenkwalder Reggio Emilia. The player still didn't recover from forearm surgery he had after the car accident. Robinson was one of their key players last season averaging 18 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.4 steals. He helped Reggio Emilia to win Lega Due title. The player was named to Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 1st Team. Dawan Robinson arrived to the club during the 2010/11 season from the NBA D-League team Erie Bay Hawks. In the past, he played for Venezia, Prima Veroli, Slask Wroclaw and Limoges. In 2009, Robinson was named Eurobasket.com All-Italian Lega2 Import Player of the Year. He helped Prima Veroli to win the LegaDue Cup that season. In 2008, he reached Polish Cup Finals with Slask.

Seahawks move Dante Calabria to assistant post - by Eurobasket News

After serving one year as the program's Director of Men's Basketball Operations, former UNC Chapel Hill standout and NCAA champion Dante Calabria (6'5''-G-73, college: N.Carolina) has been elevated to assistant coach at UNCW for the 2012-13 season.

Calabria, 38, joined the program late last summer and helped Peterson and his staff in several different areas. He fills the position vacated after Brooks Lee resigned a few weeks ago to enter private business.

Calabria previously played professionally in Europe for 16 years after enjoying a successful four-year career with the Tar Heels from 1992-96.

"We're very pleased that Dante will be one of our assistant coaches," said Peterson, who begins his third season. "He has always wanted to become a college coach and has worked extremely hard to achieve that dream.

"Dante brings a great deal of valuable experience to the table. His passion for the game is evident on a daily basis and everyone associated with our program will benefit from his successful background."

A native of Beaver Falls, Pa., Calabria appeared in 135 games and played on the 1993 NCAA Championship team in Chapel Hill. He was also a member of two Final Four teams (1993 and 1995) and competed in three Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament championship games, winning the title in 1994.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity and the new challenge," said Calabria, who played on Italy's national team in 2001 and 2005 and enjoyed a European pro career that covered courts in Italy, Greece, Spain and France. "I appreciate Coach Peterson showing the confidence in me to hire me for the operations position and now as an assistant coach. I'm going to do everything I can to help this team get better and win."

Calabria, who earned Third-Team All-ACC honors in 1995-96, scored 1,098 points, dished out 336 assists and collected 116 steals. He averaged a career-high 12.7 points as a senior and ranks fifth all-time at UNC in three-point field goal percentage at .412. During his time on the roster, the Tar Heels went 111-28, including a 47-17 mark in ACC action and a 12-3 ledger in the NCAA Tournament.

Calabria earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from UNC in 1996.

Courtesy of www.uncwsports.com

Enel Brindisi adds Prodromos Nikolaidis for the training camp - by Eurobasket News

Enel Brindisi brought in Prodromos Nikolaidis (201-F-78, agency: Interperformances) for the training camp. The Greek forward spent last season with Marousi. He appeared 19 times in A1 averaging 9.9 points and 1.7 rebounds. Before Marousi, he played two years for AEK Athens. Nikolaidis had better numbers in their first season together registering 12.5 ppg and 3 rpg for 26 games. In 2008/09, the forward played for Trikala and before that he spent one year with Egaleo. Prodromos Nikolaidis already played in Italy, but he appeared only twice for Vidi Vici Bologna in 2006/07 season. In the past, he was a member of Olimpia Larisa, Ionikos and Aris. In 2003, Nikolaidis won FIBA Champions Cup with Aris. In 2009, he was named to Eurobasket.com Greek A1 League All-Domestic Players Team and year after that he participated at Greek A1 League All-Star Game.

Brescia land Nikos Barlos - by Eurobasket News

Centrale del Latte Brescia (Lega2) strengthened their roster with addition of 33-year old Spanish forward Nikos Barlos (202-79). He played most recently at Caja Laboral in Spanish ACB. While playing 22 Greek A1 games for Panionios last season Barlos averaged 8.8ppg, 3.8rpg and 1.1apg. He played also 23 games for Panionios in Greek A1 where he had 9.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.1apg and 1.1spg. Barlos team made it to League Semifinals in 2012. He is a very experienced player.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Saturday games update - by Eurobasket News

Brescia outscored Bassano 98:67 in the game that lasted 50 minutes. The board showed 93:51 however after the end of the fourth period but the teams decided to play another quarter. Federico Loschi (195-G-90) top-scored for the winners with 20 points, while Stevan Stojkov (182-PG-89), De Min and Wise posted 13 each. Lombardi delivered 9 and Scanzi as well as Bona had 7 each.
Galatasaray overcame Mens Sana 87:82 at Bormio Tournament. Henry Domercant (194-G-80, college: E.Illinois) top-scored for the winners with 17 points, while and Dudley and David Hawkins (194-G-82, college: Temple) netted 16 each. Brown replied with 28 points for the Italian team.
Earlier Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia edged Firenze 100:71. Michael Hicks (194-G/F-76, college: Texas A&M-CC) stepped up with 21 points and Riccardo Cortese (197-G-86) netted 19. Salazar and Toppo followed them with 13, while Alibegovic and Della Rosa had 8 each.

L'Aget Imola eye Fabio Zanelli - by Eurobasket News

L'Aget Imola eye Fabio Zanelli for the upcoming season. The Italian team is interested in the guard for 2012/2013 season.
Earlier in 2004-2005 he played for Banca Nuova Trapani (Lega2, starting five) and averaged 10.6ppg, 1.4apg, 1.2spg, 2FGP: 51.5%, 3FGP: 40.5%. In 2005-2006 for Banca Nuova Trapani (Lega2, starting five) Fabio improved to 12.1ppg, 1.7rpg, 0.9apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 49.6%, 3PT: 38.5%, FT: 84.0%. Later in Feb.'06 moved to Noi Sport Monte Terminillo Rieti (Lega2, starting five) and showed 8.1ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.1apg, 2FGP: 53.2%, 3PT: 46.2%, FT: 68.9%.
The season 2006-2007 started for Air Avellino (SerieA) and then moved to Carife Ferrara (Lega2, starting five). In 2007-2008 for Carife Ferrara (Lega2, starting five) showed 8.1ppg, 1.0rpg, 0.9apg, 1.5spg, 2FGP: 62.2%, 3PT: 46.5%, FT: 88.2%.
After another two seasons with Carife Ferrara, Fabio Zanelli moved to Mazzeo San Severo (Lega2, starting five) and in 26 games averaged 13.1ppg, 1.1rpg, 1.3apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 47.8%, 3PT: 44.1%, FT: 86.4%.
The season 2011-2012 he played for Orlandina Basket (Nazionale A). In 34 games his stats read 12.2ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.8apg, 1.7spg, FGP: 43.9%, 3PT: 43.9%, FT: 81.6%.

Francesco Evotti and Massimo Baroncelli ink with Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia - by Eurobasket News

Francesco Evotti (192-G-88) and Massimo Baroncelli (199-F-89) ink with Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia for the upcoming season.
Massimo Baroncelli is back to the team where he played in 2007-2009. In 2009-2010 he moved to Euroforn Gualdo Tadino (B dilettanti, starting five) and showed12.8ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.6spg, 2FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 38.0%, FT: 80.0%. In
2010-2011 continued for Euroforn Gualdo Tadino (B dilettanti, starting five) and after 15 games had 9.9ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.9apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 44.4%, 3PT: 28.1%, FT: 86.2%. Later he moved to Fiorese Bassano (B dilettanti) where he had 11.3ppg, 3.4rpg, 2.4apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 39.5%, FT: 66.7%.
The season 2011-2012 Massimo Baroncelli appeared for Romana Chimici Anagni (Nazionale A, starting five) and averaged 6.6ppg, 2.2rpg, FGP: 42.0%, 3PT: 30.8%, FT: 70.5%.
Giorgio Tesi Group Pistoia also added to their roster 24-year old domestic guard Francesco Evotti (192-88). It's actually his comeback to Tuscany Pistoia as he played here before. Evotti played most recently at Sassari Robur (Nazionale C). He graduated in 2000 and it will be his 13th (hopefully lucky) season in pro basketball.

Trieste keep Marco Carra and Luca Gandini - by Eurobasket News

Acegas Aps Trieste (Lega2) confirmed in their roster 32-year old ex-international point guard Marco Carra (185-PG-80). While playing 43 games for Trieste last season Carra averaged 13.3ppg, 2.3rpg, 1.4apg and 1.7spg. He helped them to win regular season and make it Lega2. A very impressive season as he was selected to Eurobasket.com All-Italian Nazionale A Honorable Mention. Carra is a very experienced player. He was a member of Italian international program for some years. Carra was a member of Italian senior national team in 2002 and previously for university national team in 2005.
Trieste also re-signed with Luca Gandini (205-F-85), 27-year old domestic forward. While playing 45 games for Trieste last season Gandini averaged 7.4ppg, 7.9rpg, 1.0apg, 2.2spg and 1.1bpg. Earlier in 2010-2011 he played for Bitumcalor Trento (A dilettanti) and showed 6.5ppg, 6.4rpg, 1.5apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 30.4%, FT: 77.8%.

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JAPAN

Chiba Jets land Serge Angounou and Joe Werner - by Eurobasket News

Chiba Jets bolstered their frontcourt. They added Serge Angounou (202-F-83, agency: SDJ Sports, college: Arizona St.) and Joe Werner (201-C-84, college: Wisc.-La Cros.) to the roster.
Serge Angounou started the previous season in Argentina. The forward played for Huracan Trelew in TNA. Later Serge Angounou moved to Mexico. The Cameroonian player had a stint with Indios de Saucilllo. He became Mexican Chihuahua Vive champion. Previously Serge Angounou played in Mexico, D-League. He participated at CIBACOPA All-Star Game in 2010.
Joe Werner spent the last two season in Austria. The forward played for Raiffeiesen Wels. Last season Joe Werner posted 13.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists per appearance. He earned All-Austrian League Honourable Mention. Joe Werner previously played in Germany and Australia.

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LITHUANIA

Juventus beat Liatkabelis in test game - by Eurobasket News

Juventus - Liatkabelis 83:80

Juventus celebrated a narrow win over Liatkabelis in pre-season clash. Arvydas Cepulis (196-G-79) scored 21 points to lead the winners.
Juventus jumped to a 23:20 lead after ten minutes. They maintained the margin throughout the second quarter. Juventus ensured a 42:36 halftime lead. They did not loosen the grip in the third term. Juventus cleared off to a 9-point distance before the final frame. Liatkabelis did not say die as they denied the deficit in the fourth frame. They drew things level at 77 late in regulation. But Arvydas Cepulis stepped up for Juventus bringing them to the victory. Darius Gvezdauskas (191-PG-88) accounted for 16 points, while Gintautas Matulis (195-F/G-86) added 13 points for Juventus. Mindaugas Kupsas (214-C-91) answered with 15 points for Liatkabelis. Darius Griskenas (194-F-84) and Karolis Babkauskas (184-PG-91) had 12 points each in the loss.

Juventus: Arvydas Cepulis 21, Darius Gvezdauskas 16, Gintautas Matulis 13
Liatkabelis: Mindaugas Kupsas 15, Darius Griskenas 12, Karolis Babkauskas 12

Paulius Semaska joins Kedainiai - by Eurobasket News

Paulius Semaska (184-PG-93) will spend the next season with Kedainiai. The guard was sent to the team on loan from Perlas. Last season Paulius Semaska averaged 7.9 points, 4.7 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game in NKL. Paulius Semaska was the member of U16, U17 and U18 Lithuanian National Teams.

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LUXEMBOURG

Residence tab Darrion Pellum - by Eurobasket News

Residence bolstered their squad. They added another import player. His name is Darrion Pellum (198-G-87). The guard will start his pro career in Luxembourg. Darrion Pellum graduated from the Hampton University in 2012. The guard notched 18.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game in his senior season. Darrion Pellum made it into All-MEAC 1st Team. He was also named into NABC Division I All-District 15 1st Team for the second season in a row. Darrion Pellum was trumped All-MEAC Tournament MVP. Darrion Pellum played in NIT Elite Eight back in 2008.

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NBA

NBA PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS! - by Chris Mathieu

NBA PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS!
1. LA LAKERS: Lakers become the team to beat after the offseason acquisition of Dwight Howard, Steve Nash and Antoine Jamison while only giving up Andrew Bynum. On a personal note Kobe Bryant will try to tie Michael Jordans six titles. The LA Lakers once again acquire the best big man in the NBA following in the tradition of Karim Abdul Jabar, Shaquille Oneal and now Dwight Howard.
2. MIAMI HEAT: The reigning NBA champions try to defend their title against all newcomers (OKC and Brooklyn) and the old guard trying to reclaim past glory (LA and San Antonio). The team upgraded with Rashard Lewis and Ray Allen, who if he remains healthy this season should have a spectacular year shooting wide open threes.
3. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER: The team that proved to be so close last year may find its road to the NBA title just got that much harder with the improved LA Lakers in their path. The pickup of Perry Jones at the end of the first round has the opportunity to be a spectacular acquisition considering he was thought to be a top five pick going into last season.
4. SAN ANTONIO SPURS: The team rebuilds and remolds around the big three of Duncan, Ginobilli and Parker every season. Eventually the teams play and that of the veterans has to fall off, doesnt it? The window to an NBA title looks like it is just about closed, on this current team.
5. BROOKLYN NETS: The return of Lopez and the additions of the best power forward in Europe Mirza Teletovic and Joe Johnson add a lot of firepower to the Nets. It was puzzling that Orlando turned down a better package from the Nets and shipped him to the Lakers instead.
6. DALLAS MAVERICKS: The team upgraded talent with adding Brand, Collison, Kaman and Mayo. The question is of fit, Brand is well past his prime and Mayo is a stat stuffer who lacks fundamentals of a championAlso Nowitzki and Kaman played on the German team together a few years ago and it was a complete disaster, Kaman has one of the lowest basketball IQs in the leagueIt will be a challenge to get these pieces to fit.
7. INDIANA PACERS: The team overpaid to keep Hibbert matching a ridiculous offer from the Portland Blazers. The team didnt infuse a lot of talent in the offseason but will benefit from Derrick Roses injury to be the favorite to win the central division.
8. BOSTON CELTICS: Avery Bradley established himself as one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA. The team took off after inserting him into the starting lineup and moving Kevin Garnett to the center position. Courtney Lee/Jason Terry should be an upgrade over an aging Ray Allen who they replace.
9. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES: The team didnt add anyone of significance this offseason but Josh Shelby was a revelation in the summer league, being the best player during these games.
10. LA CLIPPERS: The Clippers have one of the worst coaches in the NBA, the worst owner in the NBA and are just a Blake Griffin injury away from sliding back to mediocrity. In spite of all of that, the team picked up Lamar Odom who is happy to beback in LA, working out hard and hoping for a bounce back season after one disastrous season in Dallas. The team also will be returning team leader Chauncey Billups, the question is how much he and Grant Hill have left in the tank?
11. PHILIDELPHIA 76ers: Andre Igodalou and Nikola Vucicic for Andrew Bynum looks like a steal. The team had too many one on one perimeter players and upgraded the post with the second best center in the NBA. If they stay healthy they could be very tough team to beat in the NBA.
12. MILWAUKEE BUCKS The team picked up Joel Przybilla, Samuel Delembert to solidify the center position. The team had a very strong draft with Doron Lamb and John Henson. They have a decent chance at winning the central with the down year the Bulls should have and the challenges Indiana will have sustaining success.
13. NEW YORK KNICKS: The team picked up some savvy veterans and some old faces in Marcus Camby and Kurt Thomas. The team also picked up Jason Kidd and Ronnie Brewer, the team definitely added a lot of veteran toughness to an already talented team. Lets see if it translates into wins for the chronically underachieving Knicks.
14. CHICAGO BULLS: Derrick Roses devastating knee injury sets the team back by at least two years in their quest for an NBA title. The questions around Luol Dengs wrist, which he opted for rest and rehab over surgery is also a question mark that my linger all season long. The bench once considered its second greatest strength has been severely weakened due to the loss of Asik, Watson, Brewer and Korver who have been replaced with Nazr Mohamed, Kirk Heinrich, Vladimir Radmanovic, Marko Belinelli and Nate Robinson. Its likely Kirk will start with Derrick out at least part of the season; the question is how much he has left.
15. DENVER NUGGETS: The team turned over a lot of their team last season and would have benefitted from a training camp. The trade of D-Howard strengthened three teams (Lakers, Nuggets, 76ers) and weakened one (Magic). The pickup of Igoudala and a full season of McGee and Chandler should help the team out.
16. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES: Dont look now but the T-Wolves are quietly building a very solid team. They have a star in Kevin Love, a true point guard in Ricky Rubio, a savvy center in Nikola Pekovic, and a couple of solid players in Andrei Kirilenko and Chase Budinger. Improvement from Derrick Williams, a healthy return of Rubio and contributions from Brandon Roy and Alexy Shved would turn the team into an exciting playoff contender.
17. UTAH JAZZ: The team surprised last season but still lacks star power and firepower. They added Randy Foye, Marvin Williams and Mo Williams none are exciting players but all help to add some depth.
18. GOLDEN STATE WORRIORS: The team added a big man finally in the trade of Andrew Bogut for Monta Ellis. Bogut has suffered a series of devastating albeit unlucky more than unhealthy injuries. The team has a talented roster but lacks depth in the backcourt. Charlie Jenkins could be a steal in the second round. The team may have three keepers in Harrison Barnes, Jenkins and project big man Ognjen Kuzmic.
19. ATLANTA HAWKS: The team gave a puzzling 6 year 120 million dollar deal to Joe Johnson two years ago; they traded him this offseason for practically nothing. The team underachieved last season and traded away one of their best players, it could be a tough season for the Hawks unless they get a monster season from Josh Smith and Al Horford.
20. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS: The team tried to land Roy Hibbert with a monster contract but struck out. The team didnt add anyone of significance this offseason.
21. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS: The team now has a couple of building blocks in Anthony Davis and Eric Gordon but lacks depth. The team is filled with underachieving high picks.
22. CLEVLAND CAVALIERS: The team has a future star in Kyrie Irving and little else. Varejao was having a breakout season before injuries ended his season early but the draft was average at best and the team lacks solid starters to go with its young point guard.
23. WASHINGTON WIZARDS: Wall has been very disappointing so far, physically talented player who hasnt developed at all since coming into the league and looks to even have regressed. His outside shooting and tempo when running offense all seem to have been left in college. The team is filled with talented underachievers and this season looks to be more of the same. Talent wise this is a playoff team, on the court however they look out of sync and out of whack. Bradley Beal looks like a great young shooting guard however and is very, very young.
24. SACREMENTO KINGS: A team oozing talent but with a collective very low basketball IQ this team looks to struggle once again. Some of the most talented players in the NBA reside in Sacramento but the team is a chronically underachieving collection of individuals who lack cohesion. Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins are two of the most talented players in the NBA but can they coexist?
25. HOUSTON ROCKETS: 20 players under guaranteed contracts doesnt spell depth or success just a roster filled with end of rotation filler. It looks like an expansion team just trying to fill out a roster at this point. The team is seriously lacking in firepower outside Kevin Martin who is a candidate to be traded anyway. Jeremy Lins contract was a monstrous waste of resources in a league known for throwing away money on bad players. They have a couple of nice rookies and a solid defensive center in Asik but thats not how you build a winning roster unless your rookies have the nickname King James and Air Jordan. Kevin McHale is working hard to ruin another NBA franchise.
26. DETRIOT PISTONS: Andre Drummond has boom or bust written all over him. Remember this is a kid who skipped his senior year of high school basketball to go to college a year early. He has struggled with commitment to the game but is a man child who has never had to work hard to dominate. He could turn out to be a defensive force and the best player in his draft class if he works hard. Oh how the mighty have fallen, Joe Dumars was considered one of the best GMs in the NBA until he passed on Carmelo for Darko, can we officially call what has happened since the curse of Carmelo Anthony?
27. PHOENIX SUNS: This team looks awful; they have collected a bunch of underachieving non defenders and knuckleheads. This team will be no fun to watch with the clueless Michael Beasley being counted on for large contributions to this team. How the mighty have fallen.
28. ORLANDO MAGIC: Lets see the team turned down a better offer from Brooklyn for a worse collection of players and picks from the three team deal they finally accepted? This team is loaded with overpaid, underachieving malcontents who are only happy with the checks they are cashing, a great way to build a winning franchise. They added a few decent young pieces but nothing that would turn a franchise around. This will be a long season for Magic fans.
29. TORONTO RAPTORS: Canada still waiting for their first NBA franchise. You have DeRozan and a couple of nice rookies and a bunch of role playersGood luck.
30. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS: As great of a player that Michael Jordan was, he is equally as bad of a General Manager with the Wizards and now as an owner of the Bobcats. A terrible franchise, with a terrible fan base and local support, the team was historically bad last season. They hope for improvement from Bismack Byombo who didnt show much as a rookie, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist who looks to be a solid pro at worst. Ben Gordon is looking for a fresh start in Charlotte after a horrible run with the Pistons. Tyrus Thomas is on this team with a long term contract, enough said.

2012-13 NBA Development League Schedule Announced - by Diamadis Farmakis

The NBA Development League today released its schedule for the 2012-13 season, which again features 16 teams playing 50 games each. The league also announced that CBS Sports Network for the first time will present regular season and postseason games. The upcoming season includes an all-time high 11 NBA D-League teams having single-affiliation relationships with their NBA parent clubs.

The 12th NBA D-League season tips off on Friday, Nov. 23, when the Canton Charge hosts the Maine Red Claws at 7 p.m. ET. Opening night continues when the Fort Wayne Mad Ants host the Erie BayHawks at 7:30 p.m. ET, the Texas Legends, under the helm of former NBA star Eduardo Najera, travel to face the Tulsa 66ers at 8 p.m. ET, and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers welcome the Bakersfield Jam at 8 p.m. ET.

NBA TV will present over 30 games this season, including its NBA D-League Game of the Week airing each Sunday during the regular season. The network will also provide extensive coverage during the NBA D-League Showcase, and the NBA D-League All-Star Game taking place in Houston during NBA All-Star 2013. In addition, NBA TV will cover the race for the NBA D-League title when it airs postseason games.

CBS Sports Networks comprehensive coverage will feature 12 live regular season games, including two from the 2013 NBA D-League Showcase, as well as 2013 NBA D-League Playoffs and Finals action. The network will also provide exclusive coverage of the 3-Point Shootout and Slam Dunk Contest from the 2013 NBA D-League Showcase. CBS Sports Networks full broadcast schedule will be released at a later date. For more information about the networks coverage, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com.

The defending NBA D-League champion Austin Toros tip off their 2012-13 campaign on Wednesday, Nov. 28, when the team travels north to face the Legends in Frisco, Texas.

The 2012-13 NBA D-League season will feature three divisions, East (Canton, Erie, Fort Wayne Mad Ants, Maine, and Springfield Armor), Central (Austin, Iowa Energy, Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Sioux Falls Skyforce, Texas and Tulsa), and West (Bakersfield, Idaho Stampede, Los Angeles D-Fenders, Reno, and the Warriors NBA D-League team).

Reports: Indiana Pacers agree to sign Blake Ahearn to training camp contract - by Eurobasket News

What's one more bounce for a player who has been practically everywhere?

The Indiana Pacers have agreed to sign free agent guard Blake Ahearn (6'2''-PG-84, college: Missouri St.) to a training camp contract, according to HoopsHype.com. The deal is reportedly a typical training camp contract but does include some guaranteed money. The Salt Lake Tribune confirmed the agreement.

Ahearn, 28, has appeared in just 19 total NBA games for three teams in an NBA career that dates back to 2007-08. He caught on with the Utah Jazz last season thanks to a 10-day contract, but only appeared in four games. In between his NBA stints, Ahearn's career has taken him to Spain, Italy and multiple stops in the D-League. He became the D-League's all-time leading scorer back in January.

There don't figure to be many minutes available in Indiana's backcourt. The Pacers re-signed George Hill to a long-term extension and signed D.J. Augustin as a free agent. Paul George, free agent signing Gerald Green, Lance Stephenson and rookie Orlando Johnson fill out the backcourt rotation. Scoring guard Leandro Barbosa, acquired from the Toronto Raptors in a trade deadline move, remains an unsigned free agent.

Ahearn holds NBA career averages of 4.6 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com (by Ben Golliver)

Nets show interest in Blatche - by Eurobasket News

The Nets' ongoing search for frontcourt depth has led them to Houston, and a meeting with Andray Blatche (6'11''-F/C-86), who was cut this summer by the Washington Wizards.

Blatche, 26, has been working out in Houston with a number of other N.B.A. players, under the guidance of John Lucas. He was set to meet with Nets Coach Avery Johnson sometime this weekend, according to two people with knowledge of the meeting. It was not clear whether the Nets were prepared to make Blatche an immediate offer or were simply exploring their options.

The Wizards severed ties with Blatche in July, using the N.B.A.s amnesty provision to remove his $23 million contract from the salary cap. Blatche will still be paid his full salary by the Wizards, so he is likely to sign for the minimum wherever he lands.

Blatche, a 6-foot-11 power forward, entered the N.B.A. straight from high school in 2005 and was drafted by Washington with the 49th pick. His athletic gifts have been offset by immaturity, erratic play and a suspect work ethic. Washington cited Blatches poor conditioning as the official reason for holding him out of a game against the Nets in March.

Blatche played in only 26 of the Wizards 66 games last season, averaging 8.5 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting a career-low 38 percent from the field.

The Nets have 13 players under contract, but they could use another big body behind center Brook Lopez and power forward Kris Humphries.

Courtesy of http://offthedribble.blogs.nytimes.com

Bobcats take a look at Josh Howard - by Eurobasket News

Former Wake Forest forward Josh Howard (6'6''-F-80, college: Wake Forest) is doing some workouts with the Charlotte Bobcats this week, president of basketball operations Rod Higgins confirmed.

The Bobcats interest in Howard is still exploratory, as they consider ways to fill out their roster. The Bobcats would like to have another power forward, and have previously considered Antawn Jamison, Kris Humphries, and Carl Landry, who all signed elsewhere. Howard, 6-7, has played both power and small forward.

Howard, a Winston-Salem native, played his first 61/2 NBA seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, before being traded to the Washington Wizards during the 2009-10 season.
That same trade sent now-Bobcats center Brendan Haywood to the Mavericks.

Last season, Howard played on a one-year contract with the Utah Jazz.

Howard, 32, has a career 14.5-points-per-game average and made one All-Star Game appearance in 2007.

But last season with the Jazz his average was down to 8.7 points on 40 percent shooting from the field.

Courtesy of www.charlotteobserver.com

Gregg Popovich: Kawhi Leonard will be 'face of the Spurs' - by Eurobasket News

It was a very productive rookie year for Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (6'7''-F-91, college: San Diego St.), who finished the year with averages of 7.9 points and 5.1 rebounds and earned a starting job for 39 games. He was even better in the playoffs (8.9 points, 45.0 percent 3-point shooting), which resulted in the distinction of being the rare rookie that coach Gregg Popovich trusts.

While Popovich willingly praised Leonard throughout the season, he gave his biggest stamp of approval to his small forward on Thursday, when he answered questions from fans in a, Mailbag, segment on Spurs.com.

Asked about Leonards potential, Popovich said, I think hes going to be a star. And as time goes on, hell be the face of the Spurs, I think. At both ends of the court, he is really a special player. And what makes me be so confident about him is that he wants it so badly.

"He wants to be a good player, I mean a great player. He comes early, he stays late, and hes coachable, hes just like a sponge. When you consider hes only had (two years) of college and no training camp yet, you can see that hes going to be something else.

Popovich was also asked about how the Spurs, returning much the same roster that they had last year, can keep up with teams like the Lakers and Heat, who made significant additions. Again, Popovich started with Leonard.

What other teams do is not in our control, so we'll worry about, as I said, incorporating Kawhi into the program more since he wasnt here very long, he said.

Boris (Diaw), Patty Mills, look for improvement in Danny Green, work our big guys. Tiago (Splitter) and DeJuan Blair I think are going to have very good seasons for us. So well concentrate on that and what we need to do as a group, and well see how we stack up.

Courtesy of http://aol.sportingnews.com

Serge Ibaka says he'll return to Spanish national team - by Eurobasket News

Serge Ibaka (208-C/F-89) was upset after the Games in London over his lack of playing time, particularly when the Gasols were on the bench. There was even talk that he could be done with the Spanish national team altogether and refuse to play in Rio in 2016. In an interveiw with Spanish outlet Marca.com, translated by HoopsHype, Ibaka denied that assertion.

Serge Ibaka: "I don't want to leave the National Team, I will play with Spain if they ask me to. I feel very proud about playing with Spain."

via HoopsHype - NBA Rumors.

Ibaka is likely to get a lot more time in 2016, as Pau Gasol is very much a question mark to return. The team will need someone to pair with Marc Gasol, and it's unlikely that there will be any more seven-foot Spaniards walking through that door. By then Ibaka will likely be a smarter player as well, more aware of how to move without the ball and have a deeper skillset. They'll need him more, he'll be a better fit, everything will work out.

At least this way Ibaka won't have to deal with all these questions for three years.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Matt Barnes still 'talking' to Lakers despite recent arrest - by Eurobasket News

It's hard to say goodbye to a superteam.

Unrestricted free agent forward Matt Barnes (6'7''-F-80, college: UCLA), who spent the last two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, says that he continues to talk about re-signing with the team despite a July arrest.

"I'm actually a free agent right now," Barnes said in a TMZ.com video interview. "So [the Lakers] are one of the teams we are talking to. There are a couple of other teams. Hopefully we'll get this arrest situation out of the way so I can go ahead and move forward with my career."

Barnes was arrested by Manhattan Beach back in July for a traffic violation and for resisting arrest.

Even before the arrest, the Los Angeles Times reported that the Lakers "aren't expected" to re-sign Barnes after the team signed 23-year-old forward Devin Ebanks to a one-year contract back in July.

Barnes, 32, averaged 7.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 22.9 minutes per game last season. He actually played the fifth most minutes for the Lakers last season but the team's flurry of summer moves hasn't helped his rotation standing. As of now, the Lakers go at least two deep at every position: point guard (Steve Nash, Steve Blake, Chris Duhon), off guard (Kobe Bryant, Jodie Meeks), small forward (Ron Artest, Devin Ebanks), power forward (Pau Gasol, Antawn Jamison) and center (Dwight Howard, Jordan Hill).

"I think it's big," Barnes said of the 4-team blockbuster trade that landed Howard on the Lakers in exchange for Andrew Bynum. "I think Dwight's going to help, Steve is going to help, Jamison is going to help."

The question facing the Lakers is whether Barnes' volatile personality isn't worth the trouble in a locker room that will face all sorts of new chemistry questions. Howard must be worked into the pecking order. Bryant must get used to playing with a point guard who has the ball in his hands. Coach Mike Brown must incorporate two new starters and multiple new assistant coaches.

Best known for picking fights and talking trash on the court, Barnes has a long list of incidents to his name. He was suspended from a California pro-am league during the lockout for allegedly punching an opponent. During the 2010-11 season, Barnes threw a Dallas Mavericks assistant coach to the ground during an in-game skirmish and he shoved Los Angeles Clippers All-Star forward Blake Griffin to the ground early in the 2011-12 season, earning a flagrant foul. He was also arrested on a domestic violence charge back in September 2010 but was not charged in the incident.

A 9-year NBA veteran, Barnes' career has included stops with the Clippers, Sacramento Kings, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic and the Lakers.

The smart money continues to say that his career merry-go-round goes for another spin in 2012-13.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Layden replaces Lindsey as Spurs' assistant GM - by Eurobasket News

According to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, the San Antonio Spurs have hired former Utah Jazz and New York Knicks general manager Scott Layden to replace Dennis Lindsey as assistant GM.

Lindsey and Lindsey ended up trading places as Layden comes over from Utah, where he served as an assistant on Tyrone Corbin's staff.

Hiring Layden is a big win for the Spurs, who had already lost Danny Ferry, Don Newman, Jacque Vaughn and Lindsey this offseason.

But with the Spurs' success and with many of the front office staff and coaching staff being mentioned every summer for other jobs, Layden could use this as a stepping stone to making his way back up as a General Manager somewhere.

Courtesy of www.projectspurs.com

Jerry Colangelo wants to return as USA Basketball chairman - by Eurobasket News

In all likelihood, Jerry Colangelo will remain chairman of USA Basketball through the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, even as men's coach Mike Krzyzewski steps down.

"I've decided I'm going to continue," Colangelo told USA TODAY Sports. "I'm committed to our organization during this transition period. I want to make sure, as good as things are, that once the baton is handed over to someone it's in even better shape. That's the plan for these next four years."

Colangelo said his decision was not influenced by a decision from FIBA, international basketball's government body, not to ask the International Olympic Committee to make the men's competition an under-23 event.

"It didn't have anything to do with my willingness to continue," he said. "I've been encouraged to continue, and if somebody didn't want me there, it would take about three seconds for me to walk."

Colangelo was non-committal about his future during the London Olympics and said he came to his decision following downtime after the U.S. men's and women's teams won gold in London three weeks ago.

"I said, 'If I'm healthy and I have the time to do it, it's a passion of mine, then why not?' " Colangelo said.

There is a formal procedure, based on USA Basketball's constitution, that must be followed, though. Colangelo must be nominated for a spot on the board of directors for the 2013-16 quadrennial, on which Colangelo said he has been assured a spot.

USA Basketball's new board of directors is expected to be named by early 2013, and it will elect a chairman. Given Colangelo's desire to return and the success of the senior and junior programs, it's unlikely someone else will be named chairman.

Since Colangelo joined USA Basketball in 2005 after the men's bronze medal performance in the 2004 Athens Olympics, the U.S. men are 62-1 with gold medals in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, 2010 world championship and 2012 London Olympics. The women were in fine shape before Colangelo joined and have continued, winning the past five Olympic gold medals and boasting a 41-game Olympic winning streak.

The USA also is the defending world champion in under-17 and under-18 on the men's side and defending world champion in under-19 and under-17 on the women's side.

"What's important is to maintain the credibility and sustainability of USA Basketball," Colangelo said. "You've got to keep it going. I want to make sure the transition is a seamless transition over a period of time. If someone is there ready to take over after 2016, that's the right timing."

Colangelo, also the chairman of the Basketball Hall of Fame, will be in Springfield, Mass., next week for the Hall of Fame inductions and will be in Arizona on Sept. 19-20 for a Hall of Fame golf fundraiser. He said he anticipates discussing the future of USA Basketball with various people at both events.

The first of order of business will be figuring out who will coach the men's team in the 2014 world championship in Spain and the 2016 Rio Olympics. Krzyzewski, who has coached the men's team since 2006, has said he is stepping down as men's coach.

But Colangelo wanted to give Krzyzewski time to think about it after London. Colangelo said he has had one brief phone conversation with Krzyzewski since returning to the USA.

"I want him to come to his own determination one way or the other," Colangelo said. "I don't want to put any pressure on him. I don't want him to feel any pressure. Once he makes his decision, assuming he won't coach, then there's a position that will be for him with me. I want him alongside me."

Courtesy of www.usatoday.com

Source: Knicks targeting Sean Williams - by Eurobasket News

A source familiar with the Knicks' free-agency plans told ESPNNewYork.com that the team is considering signing forward-center Sean Williams (6'10''-F-86, college: Boston Coll.), who was waived by the Rockets this week.

There has been some speculation that the Knicks are interested in unrestricted free agent Josh Howard, but according to the source, they are not into him. Instead, the team wants to add a big man -- likely to serve as a backup to Amare Stoudemire on the depth chart. Currently, they don't have one.

There are more attractive bigs on the market, like Kenyon Martin, Andray Blatche, Louis Amundson, Chris Andersen and D.J. White. But those players have been looking for more than the veteran's minimum, which is all the Knicks can offer.

Williams, on the other hand, is in the Knicks' price range. The former New Jersey Net, whose career averages are 4.2 points and 3.4 rebounds per game in four NBA seasons, made less than $1 million in 2011-12 with the Mavericks and Celtics. While the former 2007 first-round draft pick out of Boston College hasn't made his mark yet in the league, Celtics coach Doc Rivers was impressed with his development last season. And that was on defense, which is Mike Woodson's mantra.

"He has a chance to be a shut-down defender, a shot-blocker, a guy that you can bring in and change the tempo of the game," Rivers said in July. "He rebounds the ball. He has that skill set in him. He has to marry himself to that."

While the Knicks technically have 15 players on their roster, Chris Smith, J.R. Smith's younger brother, is only under contract through the preseason. Williams, who's also reportedly on the Heat's radar, could be the team's final signing. Regardless, the Knicks can bring him to training camp (which starts Sept. 29) because the NBA has no limit on invites.

Courtesy of ESPN

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NCAA1

Washington Loses For The First Time On Its Foreign Tour - by Eurobasket News

ANTIBES, France - A cold-shooting night by the Huskies compounded by a hot-shooting Antibes team led to a 27-point defeat, 93-66, for Washington on Thursday in the third game of its foreign tour. Washington is now 2-1 on their 16-day, seven-game trip.
Antibes, a top-division pro team that features four American players, shot 50.7% from the field on 37-of-73 shooting, while the Huskies were just 24-of-77 (31.2%) from the field - including 1-of-14 from 3-point range.

"We played a team tonight that played like a top-15 NCAA team," said Husky Coach Lorenzo Romar . "They were clicking on all cylinders and we shot only 31 percent from the field. We had a lot of open looks, but we just couldn't get the ball to go down.

"Overall, with their team playing that way and with us only having 10 practices before the trip and none since we arrived, it really showed."

Anthony Hilliard (6'4''-G/F-86, college: Elizabeth City) scored 17 points to lead all scorers, while Antibes' Tim Blue scored 13 points - all in the first half - for the host team.

C.J. Wilcox (6'5''-G) led the Huskies with 14 points, but was just 5-for-21 shooting from the floor, including 1-of-7 from 3-point range.

Andrew Andrews came off the bench and scored 13 points. Abdul Gaddy was the only other Husky player in double figures with 10 points.

The Huskies jumped out to a 9-6 lead early in the first quarter, but it was all Antibes after that. The host team went on an 18-0 spurt over a three-minute span starting at the 6:26 mark to go up 24-9. Washington never got closer than 10 points after that.

The Huskies trailed 29-15 after the first and it got worse for the Dawgs when Antibes got their lead up to 25 by scoring the first 11 points in the second quarter. A Wilcox jumper ended that run, but the Huskies were only able to whittle the lead down to 19 by halftime, 53-34.

An inspired Washington team came out in the third quarter and cut Antibes' lead to 10 points on two occasions, thanks to improved defense and better shooting. But, the host team went on a 10-1 run over the final 1:19 of the period to get their lead back to 19 heading into the fourth.

Antibes scored the first 10 points of the fourth to make its run 20-1 before Shawn Kemp hit a short jumper to stop the bleeding. By then it was too late and Antibes cruised home.

"There were a lot of defensive lapses -- probably again due to a lack of practice," Romar said. "It showed tonight and they (Antibes) exposed that."

Despite the lopsided score, Romar was able to find several bright spots from the game.

"I liked the fact that we ran great offense but just couldn't make shots," he said. "We had great looks at the basket. We just could get them to drop."

Another positive for the Huskies was their 53-48 advantage on the glass, the third time in three games they have outrebounded their opponent. Desmond Simmons (6'7''-F) led the rebounding charge, grabbing 11 on the night, while Aziz N'Diaye added 8.

Romar was also pleased that the Huskies shot 17-of-23 from the line - 73 percent - and had only 16 turnovers - 8 of which belonged to Andrews. In the first two games, UW shot 41 percent from the line and averaged almost 25 turnovers a game.

"If we defended better, I'm not sure we would have won the game, but the score would not have been as lopsided as it was," is how Romar summed up the night.

Tomorrow, the Huskies will tour nearby Monaco in the morning, return to their hotel in Nice in the afternoon and head back to Monaco where a top-division team that went 24-2 last season awaits them. The game is scheduled to tip off at 6:00 p.m. (9:00 a.m. PT) at Stade Louis II.
Courtesy of: gohuskies.com

Texas Tech basketball coach Gillispie hospitalized - by Eurobasket News

Texas Tech men's basketball coach Billy Gillispie has been hospitalized for an undisclosed medical issue.

Athletic department spokesman Blayne Beal said the 52-year-old coach was admitted to University Medical Center early Friday. He declined to provide further details.

Hospital spokesman Eric Finley said Gillispie was initially listed in satisfactory condition before his status was changed to "security patient." That means no more updates on his condition can be released.

Gillispie was hospitalized on the same day that Beal issued a statement saying the university is looking into "concerns within the leadership of our men's basketball program."

Gillispie is entering his second year at Texas Tech. His first team finished 8-23. He previously was the head coach at Kentucky, Texas A&M and UTEP.

Courtesy of http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Abilene Christian moving to Division I, Southland Conference in 2013 - by Eurobasket News

The Southland Conference and Abilene Christian announced Saturday that the institution will return to the league it helped found nearly a half-century ago. The Abilene, Texas-based university will rejoin the Southland on July 1, 2013, and will also begin the move from NCAA Division II to I at the same time.

ACU was one of five institutions that formed the Southland Conference on March 15, 1963, and its storied athletics program was a part of the league until 1972-73 when it departed for its current home, the Lone Star Conference.

When it returns to the league, Abilene Christian will participate in 16 of the Southlands 17 sponsored championships, including mens basketball, baseball, cross country, football, golf, tennis, and indoor and outdoor track & field. On the womens side, ACU will compete in basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, tennis, indoor and outdoor track & field, and volleyball.

The Southland Conference Board of Directors enthusiastically welcomes Abilene Christian University as our newest member, said Dr. Baker Pattillo, Southland Board Chairman and the president at Stephen F. Austin State University. We are honored to learn of the institutions acceptance of our offer, we appreciate the approval from the ACU Board of Trustees, and weve admired the leadership of President Phil Schubert and the diligent work of Athletic Director Jared Mosley throughout this process. The Southland presidents look forward to a beneficial partnership with ACU and its athletic program.

On behalf of our board, faculty, staff, students and fans, we are pleased to have this opportunity to help make the Southland one of the strongest FCS conferences in the nation, said ACU President Schubert. We are honored to be partners with some familiar and new friends in the league, and to continue to fulfill our own unique mission alongside them. We are serious about achieving academic and athletics excellence, and we are confident that Division I is the best place to continue our strong commitment to both.

The announcement of Abilene Christians return to the Southland Conference culminates a thoughtful and deliberate membership process for our league, added Southland commissioner Tom Burnett. As with other membership additions, the Board methodically researched those institutions that clearly enhance the Southland. Abilene Christian is an accomplished institution, excelling in academics and athletics, and is well-positioned to succeed in Division I and the Southland Conference. We are thrilled to welcome one of our charter members back to the league and look forward to a great future together.

Founded in 1906 as Childers Classical Institute (then adopting the name Abilene Christian College in 1912), ACU has grown into one of the largest private universities in the Southwest with an approximate enrollment of 4,600.

Affiliated with the Churches of Christ, Abilene Christian regularly rates among Americas Best Colleges as ranked by U.S. News & World Report and Forbes magazines. Last year, Forbes ranked ACU among the top 10 percent of colleges and universities in the nation. U.S. News has ranked the institution as the No. 1 Up-and-Coming university in the West region three of the last four years. The Chronicle of Higher Education included Abilene Christian as of only 79 four-year institutions in the nation as a Great College to Work For in 2012.

ACU attracts students from 47 states and territories, and 43 nations, and the average ACT score for entering freshmen was 24.7 in Fall 2011. Students choose from 71 baccalaureate majors that include more than 125 areas of study, and there are 25 masters degree and one doctoral program. More than 97 percent of the 245 full-time faculty members hold terminal degrees, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1.

Abilene Christian has been an acclaimed leader in academic innovation with its application of technological advances in recent years. ACU is the first university to provide all full-time students with an Apple iPhone or iPod touch, integrating technology and learning in and out of the classroom. In 2011, the AT&T Learning Studio began providing a curricular laboratory to support student, faculty and staff experiments with new media tools. Last year, ACU was one of only 10 U.S. colleges and universities to be named an Apple Distinguished Program.

ACU has an institutional endowment of approximately $300 million, and the institution has made more than $70 million in recent capital improvements in the last five years, $47 million of that in buildings on its 250-acre campus.

Abilene Christian rejoins the Southland as one of the nations most-accomplished athletic programs. The Wildcats have won 64 team national championships since 1952, including an astounding 59 in mens and women track & field. Amongst the entire NCAA membership, ACUs total of 57 NCAA team championships ranks fourth nationally, only behind UCLA, Stanford and Southern California.

Since joining the Lone Star Conference in 1973, the program has captured 163 team championships in league competition. The Wildcats won three league titles and three NCAA regional championships in 2011-12. Abilene Christian is the only NCAA Division II member to finish in the top 15 of the Learfield Sports Directors Cup, awarded to the top athletics program in each division, in all 17 years the award has existed.

ACUs football team has played in the last six NCAA Division II national playoffs, and running back Bernard Scott, currently a member of the NFL Cincinnati Bengals, won the 2008 Harlon Hill Trophy as the top national player in the division. Six other former Wildcats are currently on rosters of NFL teams.

We look forward to wrapping up our 40 years in the Lone Star Conference this season and we are proud of our history in NCAA Division II and the LSC, Mosley said. Weve enjoyed great rivalries with West Texas A&M, Angelo State, Texas A&M-Kingsville, Texas A&M-Commerce and others, and well always have deep respect for those institutions, the competition we shared and the talented student-athletes who will always be a part of that heritage.

As an original Southland Conference member, ACU proved to be a very competitive program with a total of 17 team championships from 1963-73, and the Wildcats won the 1963-64 and 1965-66 All-Sports Award for overall excellence.

A number of ACU legends still remain prominent in the Southland Conference record books, including football all-America performers Jim Lindsey, a two-time Southland Player of the Year at quarterback, and linebacker Chip Bennett, the 1969 NCAA College Division Player of the Year.

While winning three Southland mens basketball championships in the mid-1960s, ACU produced a pair of three-time all-Southland players, Ronnie Hearne and John Ray Godfrey, who also earned an invite to the 1968 U.S. Olympic tryouts. Abilene Christian won the first seven Southland cross country championships, and still holds the record with a remarkable 19 points in winning the 1965 league title.

In outdoor track an& d field, ACU also won the first seven Southland meets, winning 66 individual events as it built its nationally prominent program. ACU counts Olympic gold medalists Earl Young and Bobby Morrow, also the 1956 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year, as accomplished alumni in the sport, as well as world-record pole vaulter Billy Olson and 35 other Olympians.

With a long-time emphasis on academic achievement for its student-athletes, ACU has produced dozens of academic All-Americans as well as 30 NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship winners.

ACUs athletic facilities rank among the nations best, including the 4,500-seat Moody Coliseum, home to Wildcat basketball and volleyball, the 4,000-seat Crutcher Scott Field for ACU baseball, the 400-seat Wells Field for softball, historic Elmer Gray Stadium for track & field, and the 10-court outdoor Eager Tennis Center. The Teague Special Events Center features athletic offices, locker rooms and three indoor tennis courts. ACU plays football at Abilenes 15,000-seat Shotwell Stadium, a shared facility a few minutes from its main campus.

Burnett added that with the Southland set to become a 14-member conference in 2013-14, the real work begins now, in very short order, as the athletic directors and the conference staff will immediately convene to determine playing schedules, possible divisional alignments and tournament formats for the foreseeable future.

Courtesy of www.ncaa.com

Dez Wells leaves Kentucky campus without commitment - by Eurobasket News

Dezmine Wells (6'4''-G/F-92) isn't your ordinary college basketball player. This isn't about his toughness or what he just went through at Xavier, either. This is a kid that doesn't yearn for attention, was never blown away by the name on the front of the jersey.

Wells is a throwback of sorts. That's why he chose Xavier coming out of high school instead of an ACC program. That's why he didn't pull the trigger and commit to Kentucky yesterday while on his visit to Lexington.

The former Xavier standout-to-be appeared to have his recruitment in order on Tuesday night when he listed Memphis, Maryland and Louisville as his three potential destinations. Numerous sources told CBSSports that it would already have been done to Louisville if Rick Pitino still had an available scholarship.

Then, all of the sudden, he wound up in Lexington on Wednesday and it appeared as though Kentucky would be where he'd continue his college career. I mean, how many people beat John Calipari these days on the recruiting trail? Not many. UK also had the support of Wells' close friend from Raleigh, John Wall.

But now, according to sources, the Wildcats are out of the equation. Wells is still considering Memphis and Maryland and ESPN's Dave Telep reported that Wells intends to visit Ohio State and Oregon in the next week before making a decision.

One of the key questions for Kentucky and Wells apparently stemmed from whether he'd be able to receive a waiver to play this season. I've been told by multiple sources it's highly unlikely the NCAA will clear him for the 2012-13 campaign. The more concerning issue was that Wells needed to make a quick decision in order to enroll in classes in Lexington so -- at worst case -- he'd be able to play a year from now.

"He felt pressured to some degree," said a source close to Wells. "And he wants to make sure he makes the right decision."

Wells is in Memphis today, then he'll head to Maryland before visiting Ohio State and Oregon.

Things have changed -- and could continue to change quickly.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

JUCO standout Geron Johnson admitted to Memphis, will play this season - by Eurobasket News

Junior college standout Geron Johnson (6'4'') has been admitted to the University of Memphis and is now officially part of the 2012-13 Tigers after months of questions about whether he'd be allowed to enroll, Memphis coach Josh Pastner told CBSSports.com on Thursday.

A formal announcement from the school is expected soon.

Johnson is a heralded combo guard from Dayton whose natural talent is only overshadowed by the amount of off-the-court problems he's experienced since becoming an elite recruit. He was arrested for attempted burglary during high school and was an academic non-qualifier upon graduation. He then enrolled at Chipola College in Florida as a freshman but was ultimately dismissed from that team after a marijuana arrest. He then enrolled at Garden City College in Kansas as a sophomore but was also dismissed from that team and school after multiple legal problems, among them allegations that he stole another student's cell phone.

But Memphis still offered a scholarship.

And Johnson accepted.

And on Thursday he learned -- after completing all the necessary coursework -- that he'll be admitted to Memphis, meaning the Tigers will now have three first-year players on this season's roster. The first-year players are Johnson, McDonald's All-American Shaq Goodwin and Damien Wilson. Johnson has two years of eligibility remaining. Goodwin and Wilson are freshmen.

Memphis is ranked 14th in the preseason Top 25 (and one) thanks to that recruiting class and the return of projected starters Joe Jackson, Chris Crawford, Adonis Thomas and Tarik Black. The Tigers open the season Nov. 12 against North Florida. Their first marquee game is against VCU on Nov. 22 in the Bahamas.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Seahawks move Dante Calabria to assistant post - by Eurobasket News

After serving one year as the program's Director of Men's Basketball Operations, former UNC Chapel Hill standout and NCAA champion Dante Calabria (6'5''-G-73, college: N.Carolina) has been elevated to assistant coach at UNCW for the 2012-13 season.

Calabria, 38, joined the program late last summer and helped Peterson and his staff in several different areas. He fills the position vacated after Brooks Lee resigned a few weeks ago to enter private business.

Calabria previously played professionally in Europe for 16 years after enjoying a successful four-year career with the Tar Heels from 1992-96.

"We're very pleased that Dante will be one of our assistant coaches," said Peterson, who begins his third season. "He has always wanted to become a college coach and has worked extremely hard to achieve that dream.

"Dante brings a great deal of valuable experience to the table. His passion for the game is evident on a daily basis and everyone associated with our program will benefit from his successful background."

A native of Beaver Falls, Pa., Calabria appeared in 135 games and played on the 1993 NCAA Championship team in Chapel Hill. He was also a member of two Final Four teams (1993 and 1995) and competed in three Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament championship games, winning the title in 1994.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity and the new challenge," said Calabria, who played on Italy's national team in 2001 and 2005 and enjoyed a European pro career that covered courts in Italy, Greece, Spain and France. "I appreciate Coach Peterson showing the confidence in me to hire me for the operations position and now as an assistant coach. I'm going to do everything I can to help this team get better and win."

Calabria, who earned Third-Team All-ACC honors in 1995-96, scored 1,098 points, dished out 336 assists and collected 116 steals. He averaged a career-high 12.7 points as a senior and ranks fifth all-time at UNC in three-point field goal percentage at .412. During his time on the roster, the Tar Heels went 111-28, including a 47-17 mark in ACC action and a 12-3 ledger in the NCAA Tournament.

Calabria earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from UNC in 1996.

Courtesy of www.uncwsports.com

Princeton drops opening game of their Spain trip 76-66 to Assignia Manresa - by Eurobasket News

Harvard returns enough talent from their NCAA tournament team to be considered by many to be the favorite to win the Ivy League in 2012-13.

But which team (or teams) can offer up the biggest challenge to the Crimson?

Princeton head coach Mitch Henderson hopes that his Tigers are the answer to that question, and their 10-day trip to Spain is the first step towards making sure thats the case.

Princeton dropped the first of their four games in Spain on Friday afternoon, falling 76-66 to Assignia Manresa.

Senior forward Ian Hummer (200-F-90) led the way offensively for Princeton with 21 points, with Will Barrett (208-F-90) (13 points) and Brendan Connolly (210-C-91) (12 points) also reaching double figures.

The biggest issue for Princeton on Friday was turning the ball over as they racked up 25 turnovers with Barrett having seven of them.

Barrett, a 6-10 forward, is shaking off the rust after playing in just eight games last season due to a foot injury in Princetons 69-54 win over Lafayette on November 30.

He and guard Chris Clement, who played 32 minutes on Friday, will be key players for Princeton this season in their quest to return to the NCAA tournament.

Junior guard T.J. Bray and senior guard Jimmy Sherburne sat out the opener for Princeton, leading to more playing time for a player who averaged just 2.5 minutes per game last year.

With Douglas Davis having graduated Bray (starter last season), Clement and Sherburne are three of the players Princeton will rely on in the back court in 2012-13.

Overall Princeton returns three of their four leading scorers from a season ago, but the loss Davis and forward Patrick Saunders is something the Tigers will need to account for.

Barrett and Connolly are the players expected to handle some of the workload that Saunders leaves behind, so their play in Fridays opener is a step in the right direction.

Princeton returns to the court on Sunday as they take on second division Spanish team CB Prat.

Courtesy of http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com

USC will investigate report of gifts to athletes - by Eurobasket News

Southern California athletic director Pat Haden says USC will investigate a Los Angeles Times report claiming two Trojans athletes received gifts from an employee of the Los Angeles County assessor's office.

The Times reported Saturday that former tailback Joe McKnight and former men's basketball player Jefferson Davon (6'9''-F-86, college: USC) apparently received a car, an airline ticket and cash from Scott Schenter.

The former appraiser is under investigation in an apparently unrelated scandal at the assessor's office. His interest in the two athletes wasn't immediately apparent.

Haden says USC investigated reports of McKnight using a Land Rover registered to Schenter in 2009. The school worked with the NCAA, which didn't process a violation.

Haden says the school wasn't aware of additional gifts to the two athletes. USC already has discussed the report with the NCAA and Pac-12.

Haden replaced Mike Garrett in July 2010.

Courtesy of www.knoe.com

UNC officials: No NCAA rules were broken related to African studies - by Eurobasket News

The NCAA found no evidence that its rules were violated during the academic misconduct in UNC Chapel Hills African and Afro-American Studies department, university officials said Friday.

On the eve of the football home opener against Elon University, the university released a statement that seemed to suggest its NCAA troubles are over.

The African studies department has been the focus of an academic fraud investigation by the university, the State Bureau of Investigation and now, an independent review led by former N.C. Gov. Jim Martin. An internal campus review disclosed in May that 54 suspect courses in the department, many heavily attended by athletes, were no-show classes with little or no faculty supervision during a four-year period.

The results of that internal review were provided to the NCAA. On Aug. 23, the universitys attorney and a senior associate dean updated NCAA enforcement staff, who reaffirmed that no NCAA rules appeared to have been broken, the university said.

UNC first notified the NCAA about the academic problems in August 2011, and NCAA enforcement staffers came to Chapel Hill several times last fall to join in the investigation, according to the statement. NCAA officials talked to faculty and staff members in African studies, as well as some student-athletes who had taken classes in the department.
Based on the joint review, UNC and the NCAA staff concluded there were no violations of current NCAA rules or student-athlete eligibility issues related to courses in African and Afro-American Studies, the statement said.

These issues were not included in the proceedings when UNC appeared before the NCAAs Committee on Infractions last fall, and it appears the university will avoid additional NCAA sanctions related to the findings about African studies.

In March, the NCAA levied penalties on UNCs football program for several major violations, including impermissible benefits for players and a failure to monitor the program. The program lost scholarships over a three-year period and was banned from postseason play this year.

But the NCAA has been oddly quiet on the other, arguably more serious, scandal that emerged the bogus African studies classes attended by some football and basketball players.

The NCAA did not return phone calls from The (Raleigh) News & Observer on Friday.

Breaks for athletes?

A former head of the NCAAs Committee on Infractions, Josephine Potuto, said in a July interview that the NCAA typically looks for evidence that student-athletes get special breaks.

In the UNC case, both student-athletes and regular students enrolled in the aberrant classes. That may have made the difference for NCAA investigators. Even if student-athletes are clustered in a class with a professor who gives out easy As, Potuto said, thats not an NCAA violation because that course is open to everybody else.

In order to find a violation, the NCAA would have to decide that student-athletes are afforded special treatment.

You cant do it simply by saying, Hey, there are a lot of student-athletes in this class, and everybody got an A. she said. Thats not going to get you there.

Still, the NCAA has been inconsistent in handing out penalties for academic fraud.

The NCAA did not get involved in 2008 when a University of Michigan professor was reported to have taught nearly 300 independent studies during a three-year period, with athletes comprising 85 percent.

Yet Florida State University lost scholarships five years ago when athletes got improper help from tutors, including receiving answers to an online quiz. In that case, students who were not athletes also benefited by getting the quiz answers.

Campus reforms

UNC officials this week reported various new procedures designed to prevent future academic fraud. They promised more faculty involvement in athletics, a revamped African studies department, new oversight for academic administrators, new rules for independent study courses and changes to the tutoring program for athletes.

The reforms were discussed Thursday at a meeting of a UNC Board of Governors panel reviewing the campus handling of the problems. Martin, meanwhile, is working with a national consulting firm to determine whether other academic irregularities occurred in addition to the ones already uncovered.

University officials will continue to keep the NCAA informed as developments warrant, the universitys statement said Friday.

Courtesy of www.charlotteobserver.com

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NCAA2

Division II Elite Eight to be played at Louisvilles Freedom Hall in 2013 - by Eurobasket News

The NCAA Division II Mens Basketball Committee has selected Bellarmine and Louisville, Ky., to serve as the hosts for the 2013 NCAA Division II Mens Basketball Elite Eight. The games will be played on March 28 and 30 in Freedom Hall, which has played host to six Final Fours.

The Division II basketball committee is excited to bring the Elite Eight back to Louisville, a historic site for college basketball, said Eric Schoh, chair of the committee and director of athletics at Winona State. Louisville has proven success in hosting basketball events, and given the tradition of Freedom Hall, we are looking forward to a great experience for the student-athletes.

Bellarmine and the city of Louisville served as hosts of the Division II Elite Eight from 1995 to 2000 when the event was held at the International Convention Center downtown.

After being fortunate enough to have played in the last two Elite Eights, the entire Bellarmine community knows what a great event it is, and were thrilled to be hosting once again, said Bellarmine Director of Athletics Scott Wiegandt. The added bonus of playing in a great and storied venue such as Freedom Hall will provide lifelong memories for all the student-athletes who get to participate.

In addition to hosting the Mens Final Four in 1958, 1959, 1962, 1963, 1967 and 1969, Freedom Hall has been the site of NCAA tournament games in four other seasons, with Midwest Regional games in 1976 and 1983 and Southeast Regional games in 1987 and 1991.

The NCAA is celebrating the 75th Division I Mens Basketball Championship in 2013. As part of the celebration, all three mens basketball championships (Divisions I, II and III) will be played in the same city and weekend. Therefore, the DII national championship game will be played on April 7 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, a week after the quarterfinal and semifinal games in Freedom Hall. CBS Sports Network will air the semifinals live at noon and 2:30 p.m. ET on March 30, with CBS airing the championship game live at 4 p.m. ET April 7.

Courtesy of www.ncaa.com

Abilene Christian moving to Division I, Southland Conference in 2013 - by Eurobasket News

The Southland Conference and Abilene Christian announced Saturday that the institution will return to the league it helped found nearly a half-century ago. The Abilene, Texas-based university will rejoin the Southland on July 1, 2013, and will also begin the move from NCAA Division II to I at the same time.

ACU was one of five institutions that formed the Southland Conference on March 15, 1963, and its storied athletics program was a part of the league until 1972-73 when it departed for its current home, the Lone Star Conference.

When it returns to the league, Abilene Christian will participate in 16 of the Southlands 17 sponsored championships, including mens basketball, baseball, cross country, football, golf, tennis, and indoor and outdoor track & field. On the womens side, ACU will compete in basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, tennis, indoor and outdoor track & field, and volleyball.

The Southland Conference Board of Directors enthusiastically welcomes Abilene Christian University as our newest member, said Dr. Baker Pattillo, Southland Board Chairman and the president at Stephen F. Austin State University. We are honored to learn of the institutions acceptance of our offer, we appreciate the approval from the ACU Board of Trustees, and weve admired the leadership of President Phil Schubert and the diligent work of Athletic Director Jared Mosley throughout this process. The Southland presidents look forward to a beneficial partnership with ACU and its athletic program.

On behalf of our board, faculty, staff, students and fans, we are pleased to have this opportunity to help make the Southland one of the strongest FCS conferences in the nation, said ACU President Schubert. We are honored to be partners with some familiar and new friends in the league, and to continue to fulfill our own unique mission alongside them. We are serious about achieving academic and athletics excellence, and we are confident that Division I is the best place to continue our strong commitment to both.

The announcement of Abilene Christians return to the Southland Conference culminates a thoughtful and deliberate membership process for our league, added Southland commissioner Tom Burnett. As with other membership additions, the Board methodically researched those institutions that clearly enhance the Southland. Abilene Christian is an accomplished institution, excelling in academics and athletics, and is well-positioned to succeed in Division I and the Southland Conference. We are thrilled to welcome one of our charter members back to the league and look forward to a great future together.

Founded in 1906 as Childers Classical Institute (then adopting the name Abilene Christian College in 1912), ACU has grown into one of the largest private universities in the Southwest with an approximate enrollment of 4,600.

Affiliated with the Churches of Christ, Abilene Christian regularly rates among Americas Best Colleges as ranked by U.S. News & World Report and Forbes magazines. Last year, Forbes ranked ACU among the top 10 percent of colleges and universities in the nation. U.S. News has ranked the institution as the No. 1 Up-and-Coming university in the West region three of the last four years. The Chronicle of Higher Education included Abilene Christian as of only 79 four-year institutions in the nation as a Great College to Work For in 2012.

ACU attracts students from 47 states and territories, and 43 nations, and the average ACT score for entering freshmen was 24.7 in Fall 2011. Students choose from 71 baccalaureate majors that include more than 125 areas of study, and there are 25 masters degree and one doctoral program. More than 97 percent of the 245 full-time faculty members hold terminal degrees, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1.

Abilene Christian has been an acclaimed leader in academic innovation with its application of technological advances in recent years. ACU is the first university to provide all full-time students with an Apple iPhone or iPod touch, integrating technology and learning in and out of the classroom. In 2011, the AT&T Learning Studio began providing a curricular laboratory to support student, faculty and staff experiments with new media tools. Last year, ACU was one of only 10 U.S. colleges and universities to be named an Apple Distinguished Program.

ACU has an institutional endowment of approximately $300 million, and the institution has made more than $70 million in recent capital improvements in the last five years, $47 million of that in buildings on its 250-acre campus.

Abilene Christian rejoins the Southland as one of the nations most-accomplished athletic programs. The Wildcats have won 64 team national championships since 1952, including an astounding 59 in mens and women track & field. Amongst the entire NCAA membership, ACUs total of 57 NCAA team championships ranks fourth nationally, only behind UCLA, Stanford and Southern California.

Since joining the Lone Star Conference in 1973, the program has captured 163 team championships in league competition. The Wildcats won three league titles and three NCAA regional championships in 2011-12. Abilene Christian is the only NCAA Division II member to finish in the top 15 of the Learfield Sports Directors Cup, awarded to the top athletics program in each division, in all 17 years the award has existed.

ACUs football team has played in the last six NCAA Division II national playoffs, and running back Bernard Scott, currently a member of the NFL Cincinnati Bengals, won the 2008 Harlon Hill Trophy as the top national player in the division. Six other former Wildcats are currently on rosters of NFL teams.

We look forward to wrapping up our 40 years in the Lone Star Conference this season and we are proud of our history in NCAA Division II and the LSC, Mosley said. Weve enjoyed great rivalries with West Texas A&M, Angelo State, Texas A&M-Kingsville, Texas A&M-Commerce and others, and well always have deep respect for those institutions, the competition we shared and the talented student-athletes who will always be a part of that heritage.

As an original Southland Conference member, ACU proved to be a very competitive program with a total of 17 team championships from 1963-73, and the Wildcats won the 1963-64 and 1965-66 All-Sports Award for overall excellence.

A number of ACU legends still remain prominent in the Southland Conference record books, including football all-America performers Jim Lindsey, a two-time Southland Player of the Year at quarterback, and linebacker Chip Bennett, the 1969 NCAA College Division Player of the Year.

While winning three Southland mens basketball championships in the mid-1960s, ACU produced a pair of three-time all-Southland players, Ronnie Hearne and John Ray Godfrey, who also earned an invite to the 1968 U.S. Olympic tryouts. Abilene Christian won the first seven Southland cross country championships, and still holds the record with a remarkable 19 points in winning the 1965 league title.

In outdoor track an& d field, ACU also won the first seven Southland meets, winning 66 individual events as it built its nationally prominent program. ACU counts Olympic gold medalists Earl Young and Bobby Morrow, also the 1956 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year, as accomplished alumni in the sport, as well as world-record pole vaulter Billy Olson and 35 other Olympians.

With a long-time emphasis on academic achievement for its student-athletes, ACU has produced dozens of academic All-Americans as well as 30 NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship winners.

ACUs athletic facilities rank among the nations best, including the 4,500-seat Moody Coliseum, home to Wildcat basketball and volleyball, the 4,000-seat Crutcher Scott Field for ACU baseball, the 400-seat Wells Field for softball, historic Elmer Gray Stadium for track & field, and the 10-court outdoor Eager Tennis Center. The Teague Special Events Center features athletic offices, locker rooms and three indoor tennis courts. ACU plays football at Abilenes 15,000-seat Shotwell Stadium, a shared facility a few minutes from its main campus.

Burnett added that with the Southland set to become a 14-member conference in 2013-14, the real work begins now, in very short order, as the athletic directors and the conference staff will immediately convene to determine playing schedules, possible divisional alignments and tournament formats for the foreseeable future.

Courtesy of www.ncaa.com

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NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand Breakers complete their line up - by Mike Lacey

The Sky City New Zealand Breakers have finalised their playing roster for the 2012-2013 Australian National Basketball League season.
The tenth and final spot for fully contracted players goes to Corey Webster who returns to the club after serving a twelve months suspension. Webster, a product of the clubs development programme has played 41 games for the Breakers over three seasons, scoring 129 points at 3.1 points per game. Previously a bit part player, much more will be expected of Webster this season as he fills the role of back up point guard to Cedric Jackson.
The three Development Player places have been awarded to Joshua Bloxham (187-G-90), Morgan Natanahira and Reuben Te Rangi.
Bloxham returns for his third season as a Development player having made 24 appearances for the senior team during that period. During the off season Bloxham performed well as the starting point guard for the Nelson Giants in the New Zealand National League averaging 10.9 points pg and 3.1 assists pg. Those performances earnt him his first call up to the Tall Blacks team.
Morgan Natanahira was a member of the Breakers extended training squad last season and played one game for the senior team, away against the Gold Coast Blaze. Natanahira performed well scoring 4 points and grabbing 3 rebounds despite carrying an injury into the game. He has played the last two seasons for the Paul Henare coached Bay Hawks in the New Zealand National League.

Captain of the 2012 Junior Tall Blacks, Reuben Te Rangi was voted New Zealand National Basketball League Rookie of the Year after an eye catching season with the Harbour Heat.
Te Rangi was also a member of the New Zealand 3on3 Youth World Championship winning team in 2011. Still only 17 years old this will be his first season as a Development Player.

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NIGERIA

POLAND

Rosa Radom, Anwil and Trefl clinch pre-season wins - by Eurobasket News

Rosa Radom overcame MKS Znicz Pruszkow 84:82 in pre-season clash. The teams needed overtime to decide on the winner. J.J. Montgomery (196-G-82, college: Arkansas St.) scored 19 points to lead Rosa Radom. Slavisa Bogavac (200-G/F-80, agency: BeoExcell) added 18 points for the winners. Przemyslaw Szymanski (198-F-84) answered with 20 points for Znicz Pruszkow. Szubek had 12 points in the loss.
Anwil held off Start Gdynia 84:73 behind 20 points from Seid Hajric (203-F-83). Anwil built a 43:30 halftime lead and maintained it throughout the second half. Tony Weeden (186-G-83, agency: Court Side, college: Chicago St.) produced 17 points, while Krzysztof Szubarga (182-PG-84) accounted for 12 points in the victory. Maciej Kucharek (204-SF-93) replied with 22 points for Start Gdynia. Jankowski chipped in 13 points in the loss.
Trefl Sopot overcame Polpharma 89:77. Trefl trailed by 8 points after ten minutes but recovered well enough in the second frame to record a 46:36 halftime lead. Polpharma cut the deficit at 4-point mark before the final frame but Trefl Sopot managed to prevail at the end. Frank Turner (178-PG-88, agency: Court Side, college: Canisius), David Brembly (197-SG-93) and Michal Michalak (194-SG-93, agency: INVICTUS Sports Group) banked 16 points each for the winners. Dylewicz added 10 points for Trefl. Polpharma answered with 18 points from Ben McCauley (206-F/C-86, college: N.Carolina St.). Majewski notched 12 points in defeat.

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SERBIA

Radnicki Kragujevac celebrates in first preseason game - by Eurobasket News

Radnicki Kragujevac - BKK Radnicki 92-70

Radnicki Kragujevac celebrated in its first friendly game this summer. They handed 92-70 loss to BKK Radnicki today at Jezero arena. Third quarter was the crucial one in this meeting and it belonged to Radnicki Kragujevac 27-12. Visitors opened this game in style making 18-27 after ten minutes, but the home squad took control on them after that. The hosts cut the margin to a single point until the halftime and later jumped to comfortable lead, having no troubles to keep it for rest of the way. Matthew Bryan-Amaning (205-F-88, agency: Interperformances, college: Washington) top-scored for the winners with 16 points. Milos Borisov (199-G/F-85) had 15, Terrico White (196-G-90, college: Mississippi) scored 14, while Stefan Bircevic (209-F/C-89) helped his team with 12 points. In defeat, Strahinja Micovic (201-F-92) was better than the others with 12 points. Bogdan Riznic (202-G/F-90) and Stevan Tapuskovic (209-F/G-89) stopped to 11 and 9 pts respectively. Both teams will play more friendlies in the upcoming days.

Radnicki Kragujevac: Krstovic 10, Sinovec 5, Milosavljevic, Terrico White 14, Matthew Bryan-Amaning 16, Stefan Bircevic 12, Borisov 15, Worthington 4, Dragojlovic 10, Mijatovic, Vuckovic, Jovic 6.
BKK Radnicki: Strahinja Micovic 12, Vujosevic, Tomic 3, Matovic, Selakovic 1, Boltic 7, Ilic 3, Bezbradica 7, Bogdan Riznic 11, Gacic 2, Igrutinovic 7, Tapukovic 9, Drobnjak 4.

Valencia wants to sign Serbian NT forward Marko Keselj - by Eurobasket News

Valencia is in talks with Serbian National Team forward Marko Keselj (206-SF-88, agency: Beo Basket). The Spanish squad is on the market after departure of Clay Tucker, who left the club for US without permission. Keselj spent last two seasons with Olympiakos. They won Euroleague and Greek titles few months ago. The forward had 5.8 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 26 Greek league games. He also added 3.9 ppg and 2 rpg in 14 Euroleague appearances. In 2011, Keselj won Greek Cup with Olympiakos. Before that, he played for Crvena Zvezda, Koln 99ers, Girona and Avala Ada. With Girona he won FIBA EuroCup in 2007. Marko Keselj is active member of the Serbian National Team since 2010. He also very successfully played for Serbian youth National Teams in the past.

Partizan part ways with Samuel Deguara and Matias Bartolin - by Eurobasket News

Partizan decided not to keep Samuel Deguara (223-C-91) and Matias Bartolin. Both players arrived to the club recently for tryout.
Samuel Deguara played last season for Italian Nazionale A team Chimica D'Agostino Bari. The Maltese big guy was sent on loan from Benetton Treviso. He had 4.8 ppg and 4.9 rpg in 34 games with Bari. Deguara arrived to Benetton as 16-year old player. He mostly played for their junior team. Deguara participated at Imola Summer League recently.
Mexican Jorge Gutierrez (190-G-88, college: California) stays with Partizan, but that is still tryout period. It is not known yet will the Serbian powerhouse offer him a deal or not.

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SPAIN

Caja Laboral inks Carlos Cabezas - by Eurobasket News

Carlos Cabezas (186-PG-80) is a new member of Caja Laboral. The former Spanish champion signed a 1-year deal with the player. Cabezas arrives to the club from CAI Zaragoza, where he spent last season. He appeared 33 times in Liga Endesa averaging 9.2 points, 3.2 assists and 3 rebounds. Cabezas played for Zaragoza also in 2010/11 registering 8.6 ppg and 2.6 apg for 23 games. In 2009/10 season Carlos Cabezas played for Russian Khimky Moscow Region and it was his first year out of Spain. In the past, the player spent more than 10 years with Unicaja Malaga. Cabezas also played for the Spanish National Team from 2003 to 2009. They won gold medal at 2009 EuroBasket in Poland and another gold at 2006 World Championship in Japan. In 2007, Spain won the EuroBasket silver.

Real Madrid has no mercy for Cibona, 95-68 - by Eurobasket News

Real Madrid - Cibona 95-68

Real Madrid and Cibona met yesterday in preseason game. Actually, it was the second game of Costa del Sol Tournament and Real Madrid celebrated comfortable 95-68 win. The Spanish giant took control on Cibona from the start making 7-point lead in the first quarter. They jumped to 51-37 until the halftime, after what Cibona finally improved and won Q3 17-20. However, Real Madrid limited its rival to 11 pts in the last ten minutes, while scoring 17 at the other side for the final 27-point win. Nikola Mirotic (207-F/C-91) led Real Madrid with 28 points and Sergio Llull (192-SG-87) followed him with 20. Third scorer in victory was Rudy Fernandez (198-SF-85) with 11 points and newcomer Marcus Slaughter (204-C/F-85, college: San Diego St.) added one less. In Cibona, Tweety Carter (180-PG-86, college: Baylor) had 11 points, while Hrvoje Kovacevic (191-G-86) and Marko Jagodic Kuridza (204-C-87) posted 10 pts each. Real Madrid will play against Unicaja today. On Thursday, Unicaja outplayed Cibona 80-74.

Real Madrid: Nikola Mirotic 28, Sergio Llull 20, Rudy Fernandez 11, Marcus Slaughter 10
Cibona: Tweety Carter 11, Hrvoje Kovacevic 10, Marko Jagodic Kuridza 10

Valencia defeats Regal Barca in preseason game 75-71 - by Eurobasket News

FC Barcelona Regal - Valencia Basket 71-75

Regal Barca and Valencia met in a friendly game today. Valencia celebrated 75-71 victory mostly owing to Rodrigo San Miguel (190-G-85), who scored 20 points. Justin Doellman (206-F-85, college: Xavier) and Pau Ribas (193-PG-87) netted 11 points in this victory, while Serhiy Lishchuk (210-C/F-82, agency: Beo Basket) added 9 pts. In Barca, Joe Ingles (203-SF-87, agency: Priority Sports) scored 17 points, while Pete Mickeal (199-F-78, college: Cincinnati) and Ante Tomic (217-C-87) followed with 15 points each. Valencia opened the game better making 27-21 lead in the opening ten minutes. Second quarter was the low-scoring one, but still in belonged to Valencia 14-13. Regal Barca improved after the breather (23-14) and managed to take 2-point lead with the minutes remaining in the game. However, Rodrigo San Miguel and his teammates shined when it mattered most and managed to finish Q4 with 20-14, what was enough for the victory. Valencia will meet Forca Lleida on Sunday. Lleida will be the host.

FC Barcelona Regal: Joe Ingles 17, Pete Mickeal 15, Ante Tomic 15
Valencia Basket: Rodrigo San Miguel 20, Justin Doellman 11, Pau Ribas 11, Serhiy Lishchuk 9

Real Madrid wins Torneo Costa del Sol, Assignia Manresa beats Princeton University - by Eurobasket News

Real Madrid is the winner of 2012 Torneo Costa del Sol. They handed 82-65 loss to Unicaja today. On Friday, Real Madrid blasted Cibona Zagreb 95-68. Nikola Mirotic (207-F/C-91) was the leading player in victory against Unicaja scoring 20 points. Felipe Reyes (206-PF-80) and Rudy Fernandez (198-SF-85) followed him with 16 and 12 points respectively. In defeat, Williams and Zoran Dragic (196-F/G-89) were better than the others with 11 points each. Augusto Cesar Lima (206-C-91) and Todorovic stopped to 10 pts.

Assignia Manresa outplayed Princeton University today 76-66. Oliver Arteaga (211-C-83) top-scored in Manresa with 16 points, while Charles Ramsdell (208-F/C-85, agency: Court Side, college: Tulsa) and Jose Salvador Arco (194-G-85) added 12 pts apiece. Ian Hummer (200-F-90) responded with 21 points in loss. Princeton was up by 2 after ten minutes of play, but Manresa made 18-10 in Q2 and continued with 19-15 after the breather to secure the victory in this meeting. Teams were tied to 15-15 in the last period.

Valencia wants to sign Serbian NT forward Marko Keselj - by Eurobasket News

Valencia is in talks with Serbian National Team forward Marko Keselj (206-SF-88, agency: Beo Basket). The Spanish squad is on the market after departure of Clay Tucker, who left the club for US without permission. Keselj spent last two seasons with Olympiakos. They won Euroleague and Greek titles few months ago. The forward had 5.8 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 26 Greek league games. He also added 3.9 ppg and 2 rpg in 14 Euroleague appearances. In 2011, Keselj won Greek Cup with Olympiakos. Before that, he played for Crvena Zvezda, Koln 99ers, Girona and Avala Ada. With Girona he won FIBA EuroCup in 2007. Marko Keselj is active member of the Serbian National Team since 2010. He also very successfully played for Serbian youth National Teams in the past.

Serge Ibaka says he'll return to Spanish national team - by Eurobasket News

Serge Ibaka (208-C/F-89) was upset after the Games in London over his lack of playing time, particularly when the Gasols were on the bench. There was even talk that he could be done with the Spanish national team altogether and refuse to play in Rio in 2016. In an interveiw with Spanish outlet Marca.com, translated by HoopsHype, Ibaka denied that assertion.

Serge Ibaka: "I don't want to leave the National Team, I will play with Spain if they ask me to. I feel very proud about playing with Spain."

via HoopsHype - NBA Rumors.

Ibaka is likely to get a lot more time in 2016, as Pau Gasol is very much a question mark to return. The team will need someone to pair with Marc Gasol, and it's unlikely that there will be any more seven-foot Spaniards walking through that door. By then Ibaka will likely be a smarter player as well, more aware of how to move without the ball and have a deeper skillset. They'll need him more, he'll be a better fit, everything will work out.

At least this way Ibaka won't have to deal with all these questions for three years.

Courtesy of www.cbssports.com

Valencia keeps Vitor Faverani until 2015 - by Eurobasket News

Vitor Faverani (211-C-88) extended his deal with Valencia through June 2015. The Brazilian big guy penned 2+1 year contract last summer, but the new deal will keep him in the club for the next three seasons. In the latest one Faverani had 8.1 ppg and 3.9 rpg in 34 Liga Endesa games. The player also added 7.2 ppg and 2.9 rpg for 9 games in EuroCup. They reached EuroCup Final together, but failed to Khimky 68-77. Before Valencia, Vitor Faverani spent two years with Murcia. He exploded in 2010/11 averaging 14.9 points and 6.4 rebounds in 34 games. Faverani was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LEB Gold Center of the Year -11, while Murcia won the LEB Gold title and returned to the ACB. In 2009/10 season the player had 6.4 ppg and 3.9 rpg for 27 games in ACB, but they faced with relegation that year. In the past, Vitor Faverani played for Clinicas Rincon, Unicaja, Bruesa, CAI Zaragoza and Lupo/Araraquara (Brazil).

Lucentum tab Roma Bas and Jesus Fernandez - by Eurobasket Center

Lucentum Alicante (LEB Gold) strengthened their roster with addition of 29-year old domestic guard Roma Bas (192-83) and Jesus Fernandez (204-75). Roma played most recently at Menorca (1 Div.). While playing 44 games for Menorca last season Bas averaged 5.8ppg. Bas helped his team to win the championship title. Jesus played most recently at CB Granada (LEB-Gold) where he averaged 15.7ppg, 7.6rpg, 2.1apg.
By Eurobasket Data Center

Veski comes back to Palma - by Eurobasket

Palma Air Europa (LEB Silver) added to their roster 26-year old Estonian ex-international center Viljar Veski (215-86). Veski played most recently at Tarvas in Estonian KML. While he played 12 games in Baltic League, he averaged 4.8ppg and 2.5rpg. He helped Tarvas to make it to Baltic League (Challenge Cup) Final. Veski played also in Estonian league where in 21 games he recorded: 8.6ppg and 4.0rpg. He was a member of Estonian senior national team between 2005 and 2010 and previously for university national team in 2005.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Lagun Aro Gipuzkoa BC adds Lofton to their roster - by Eurobasket

Lagun Aro Gipuzkoa BC (ACB) agreed terms with 26-year old American guard Chris Lofton (188-86, college: Tennessee). He played last season at Asefa Estudiantes Madrid (ACB). While playing 17 games for the team from Madrid last Lofton averaged 12.9ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.5apg and 1.4spg. Loftons team made it to Russian Cup Semifinals in 2011. He was also selected to USBasket.com All-D-League Honorable Mention in 2011. Lofton played also pro basketball in Turkey. He graduated University of Tennessee in 2008 and it will be his fifth season in pro basketball.

By Eurobasket Data Center

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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Peters signs with Tallahassee! - by Albert-Lee Young

Trinidad born 6-11 center Richard Richy Peters will start his collegiate season at Tallahassee Community College. Peters chose the Florida school to continue his basketball future.

Peters, who played for Canada 17u team, was previously committed to play this season at Washington State University. However he was ruled ineligible according to NCAA guidelines. Instead Peters will complete for the Eagles and at the same time keeping an open mind for any Division 1 recruiting process.

According to Peters, he will consider every school that is recruiting him. Since his career at Westwind Prep (AZ) the big man, who is listed at 250lbs, has attracted a bunch of mid-majors and a few high-majors have been around.

Initially in 2011 he planned to play for Oklahoma. However with the termination of the Head Coach, Jeff Capel, and subsequent departure of Assistant Coach, Dionne Phelp, Peters decommitted from the University of Oklahoma.

Afterwards he committed to Washington State and was expected to be their center of the future. Instead the focus of attention has now shifted to Tallahassee. With programs such as Arizona, Auburn, Clemson, Oklahoma, Seton Hall, Washington State and Washington all previously recruiting him, Peters still reminds open for the D1 process.

In the meantime most scouting reports list the left handed Peters as having all the physical tools to become a dominant low post player. He has a big strong frame, good athleticism, mobility, footwork and a soft touch around the basket for a big guy.

In addition his former prep school coach, Bobby Bossman, described Richy as a very bright kid who should do fine. Bossman also stated that Peters has a really high basketball IQ which most big men dont possess. He is smart with the basketball and is great at passing it out of the post.

With all the attention surrounding the big guy, the Panhandle Conference in which the Tallahassee Eagles competes will now be the radar of focus for more division one colleges!

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TURKEY

Senior National Team loses to Czech Republic: 64-82 - by Pervin Elgin

On day 5 of the 2013 Eurobasket Qualifying Round, Turkey lost 82-64 to the Czech Republic in Group F. The Czechs secured a 30-35 halftime lead and extended the advantage in the second half. With the defeat, Turkey dropped to third place in the Group with a 2-2 record.

Efes players Kerem Gonlum (208-PF-77) and Semih Erden (211-F/C-86) were the top scorers for Turkey with 13 points, followed by their team mate Serhat Cetin (197-G/F-86) with 12 points. Fenerbahce Ulker player Emir Preldzic (205-SF-87, agency: Beo Basket) added 10. They were outscored by the Czech quartet Tomas Satoransky (201-PG-91), Petr Benda (204-C-82, agency: Court Side), Jiri Welsch (199-SG-80) and Jakub Kudlacek (193-PG-90), who scored a combined total of 58 points. Turkey trailed by 5 points at halftime, saw the gap increase to 9 at the end of the third and was without a chance in the final period, leading to a 64-82 defeat.

For the all important fifth game Turkey will be hosted by Belarus on day 7 of the 2013 Eurobasket Qualifying Round, on September 2nd.

Injury shocker at Aliaga - by Sinan Can

IT was a lot worst for Aliaga Petkim after they learnt that American forward with Turkish status Preston Shumpert (198-G/F-79, college:Syracuse) had a serious finger injury after the pre-season game that they lost 75-56 to Pinar Karsiyaka. Due to the sources from the club, Shumpert nad an injury on left hand pinkie, as after the controls it's been found out that experienced player had a thorn tendon and will be out of action for next four weeks. Bad news is not limited with Shumpert's loss as Turkish play-maker Ahmet Erdogan had a minor break on his right hand and he'll not be able to practise for next 3 weeks also. Both players situation worried Coach Burak Biyiktay, who is trying to prepare his team for Eurochallenge Cup Preliminary round series against Finland's Kataja. First game of the series will be played on 25th of September in Kataja, as Shumpert is doubtful to play on this game.

Olin Edrine agrees with Sasha Cuic - by Eurobasket News

Sasha Cuic (208-F-83, agency: TSS Management, college: Oregon St.) will play next season in Turkey. The 28-year-old Croatian agreed terms with Olin Edrine. Cuic is not a new face in TBL as he played for Erdemir in 2008/09. However, he appeared only twice for the club that season. Sasha Cuic most recently played for Iranian team Shahrdari Gorgan Municipality. It was in 2010/11 season. Before that, Cuic spent one year in the NBA D-League. He started 2009/10 season with Los Angeles D-Fenders collecting 5.8 ppg and 2 rpg for 12 games. Later he added 7 ppg and 4.8 rpg for 20 games with Albuquerque Thunderbirds. In the past, Sasha Cuic played for AEL Limassol, Rotterdam, Udine and Kantrida Rijeka. He also has experience from the Oregon State University.

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URUGUAY

Atenas need one more win to get the promotion - by Hector Lopez

Atenas defeated Urunday Universitario 85-75 and with gamnes still to be played they need only one win more to get the promotion to the Uruguayan League 2013. Playing the third round for the Metro second stage, Anthony Johnson (203-F-88, college: Fairfield) nscored 26 points for Atenas and grabbed 17 rebounds, while Miguel Barriola (191-F-90) netted 23 points. For Urunday Howard Wilkerson scored 20 points and took 11 rebounds. Other results were:
Goes 91 - Matias De de Gouveia (180-PG-88) 14 points, Jimmy Boston (201-F-77, college: N.C.Central) 10 points 8 rebounds
Larranaga 54 - Emiliano Suarez (182-PG-91) 15 points 4 rebounds
- - -
Cader 77 - Grady Reynolds (198-F-80, agency: Strategic Sports, college: St.John's) 23 points 13 rebounds
Marne 66 - Eric Freeman (205-C-79, agency: Gamble Sports Management, college: Ky Wesleyan) 17 points 14 rebounds
- - -
Standings: Atenas 23 points, Goes 21, Cader 20.5, Marne 20, Urunday 19.5 Larranaga 18.5

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Women News

Five weeks to WNBL tip-off - by Eurobasket News

The 2012/13 WNBL season is only five weeks away with this campaign shaping as one of the most anticipated in recent memory.

Excitement levels are at an all-time high as four-time Olympian and WNBL great Lauren Jackson returns to Australian shores with the Canberra Capitals, hoping to return the leagues most successful franchise to title contention.

Jackson will be joined by no less than seven of her Jayco Australian Opals teammates from London, with the Adelaide Lightning sporting three of our Bronze Medal stars in reigning WNBL MVP Suzy Batkovic-Brown (195-C-80), Jennifer Screen (180-SF-82) and Laura Hodges (191-C-83) (nee Summerton).

Reigning WNBL Champion Dandenong has retained the services of their two Opals stars in Jenna OHea and Kath MacLeod, while the Bulleen Boomers will be hoping the emergence of Rachel Jarry on the international stage will propel them to greatness.

Over the coming weeks we take an in-depth look at the WNBL clubs ahead of the season tip-off on Friday October 5.

Be sure to check out the WNBL website to find out all you need to know about all the WNBL teams ahead of the new season.

Courtesy of WNBL Australia

Central ABL: Norwood Flames win Women's Grand Final - by Eurobasket News

The Norwood Flames capped off a fantastic 2012 Central ABL Women's season, defeating North Adelaide in the Grand Final 87-67.

The Flames setup the victory with a 22-10 second quarter, and continued the onslaught with a 23-12 third quarter.

Norwood's Amy Lewis (175-G-86, college: Troy) was named Grand Final MVP after leading all scorers with 26.
Courtesy of: http://www.centralabl.com.au/

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BOSNIA

Beroe 07 Stara Zagora bring in Biljana Savic - by Eurobasket News

Beroe 07 Stara Zagora bring in Biljana Savic (191-C-83, agency: LBM Management) for the upcoming season. The Bosnia International comes from Zeljeznicar. In 2011-2012 for Zeljeznicar Sarajevo her stats read 17.7ppg, 9.8rpg, 4.2apg, 1.7spg, 2FGP: 61.8%, FT: 95.7%.
Last year Bosnian Biljana Savic won the title abroad as her ICIM Arad clinched 2010/2011 trophy. The team overcame Satu Mare 61:57 in Game 4 to win the title. In Game 3 Biljana Savic scored 6 points as ICIM Arad edged Satu Mare 71:63.
Earlier in 2004-2005 she started for Kovin (1A, starting five) and in 2006-2007 moved to Hemofarm Vrsac (1A). In EuroCup she averaged 2.3ppg, 1.5rpg, 1.1apg. In 2008-2009 she moved to CS Teleorman Alexandria (Romania-D1, starting five) and in EuroCup had massive 16.5ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.5apg, 2.0spg. In Romanian League her stats read 17.3ppg, 6.2rpg, 1.4apg, 1.1spg.

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BRAZIL

Ourinhos adds Do Amaral to their roster - by Eurobasket Center

Ourinhos Basquete (LBF) agreed terms with 20-year old Brazilian international center Damiris Do Amaral (192-92). She moved there from Real C.Vigo in Spanish LF2. While playing 25 games for Real Celta Vigo Do Amaral averaged 13.1ppg, 7.0rpg and 1.0spg. She was selected to Latinbasket.com All-FIBA Americas 3rd Team in 2011. She played also pro basketball in Chile, Colombia and Mexico. She was a member of both senior and U19 national teams this year and previously for U19 national team in 2012. Do Amaral represented Brazil at the Olympic Games in London (United Kingdon) this year.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Ourinhos Basquete bring Abi Olajuwon - by Eurobasket News

Ourinhos Basquete bring Abi Olajuwon (193-C-88, college: Oklahoma) for the upcoming season. The American player heads to Brazil.
In 2005-2006 she appeared for Oklahoma (NCAA) and in 2006-2007 averaged 2.2ppg, 1.5rpg. In 2007-2008 her stats read 1.9ppg, 3.2rpg, while in 2008-2009 showed 1.4ppg, 2.2rpg.
In 2009-2010 for Oklahoma (NCAA) she had high 10.6ppg, 7.3rpg, FGP: 50.6%, FT: 61.7%. Later in 2010 Abi Olajuwon was drafted by Chicago Sky (WNBA, 3rd (28) and in 6 games had 1.0ppg.
In 2010-2011 moved to SEAT Lami Ved Gyor (Hungary-A) and in Hungarian League showed 12.6ppg, Reb-4 (7.3rpg), FGP: 61.2%, FT: 65.1%. In EuroCup her stats read 12.9ppg, 8.7rpg, FGP: 45.8%, FT: 80.0%. in Feb.'11 moved to CSM Satu Mare (Romania-D1) and after 11 games had 8.5ppg, 4.5rpg, FGP: 58.8%, FT: 56.0%.
In 2011-2012 signed at Hapoel Rishon Le-Zion (Israel), but in Jan.'12 moved to Lupa Promotion Novi Zagreb (Croatia-A1). Later in Feb.'12 Abi agreed terms with Castors Braine (Belgium-D1, starting five) and averaged 13.1ppg, 7.4rpg, FGP: 41.5%, FT: 68.0%.

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BULGARIA

HOLLAND

Myrthe Beld off to Spain - by Bas Hendriks

Pointguard Myrthe Beld (183-G-89, agency: Regeneracom Sports), who was with German powerhouse Saarlouis Royals recently has found herself a new team.
The pointguard that started her career with Perik Jumpers from Tubbergen inked a deal with Uni Girona in Spain.

Beld averaged a solid 11.6 points 3.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists for the German Side. For the Dutch national team she hauled in 8.9 points a game in an effort that failed to clinch a spot on Eurobasket 2013 in France.

Dutch National Team player Myrthe Beld joins Uni Girona - by Eurobasket News

Uni Girona continues with signings for the upcoming season. According to Dutch Basketball Federation, they landed Myrthe Beld (183-G-89, agency: Regeneracom Sports) to a 1-year deal. Beld is active member of Dutch National Team since 2008. The player had 8.9 ppg, 1.9 apg and 1.8 rpg for 8 games in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. Last season Beld spent with the German team TV Saarlouis Royals. She had 11.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 2.6 apg for 20 games in DBBL. Before Saarlouis, Myrthe Beld played several years for Eurosped Twente Tubbergen. In 2011 she was named Eurobasket.com All-Dutch Eredivisie Domestic Player of the Year. Beld averaged amazing 27.4 points, 6.1 assists, 5.3 steals and 4 rebounds for 20 Eredivisie games that season. In the past, she very successfully played for Dutch youth National Teams. In 2009, she won the gold medal with U20 Holland at U20 EuroBasket Division B in Ohrid.

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IRELAND

U 18, U 20 and Senior National Cup Draw. - by Patrick Maher

U18 Women's National Cup 2012/13

September 22nd/23rd

Pool 1:
Meteors BC (Dublin)
Killester BC (Dublin)
Donoughmore BC (Cork)
Templeogue BC (Dublin)
Phoenix BC (Antrim)

Pool 2:
Tralee Imperials (Kerry)
Glanmire Ladies BC (Cork)
WIT Wildcats (Waterford)
Dublin Lions (Dublin)
Carrig Na BhFear Rebels (Cork)

Pool 3:
Brunell BC (Cork)
DCU Mercy (Dublin)
St. Colms BC (Limerick)
Tolka Rovers (Dublin)
Titans BC (Galway)

Pool 4:
Oblate BC (Dublin)
Fr. Matthews (Cork)
St. Marys Castleisland (Kerry)
Donegal Town BC (Donegal)
St. Pauls Juvenile BC (Kerry)

U20 Womens National Cup 2012/13

Round 2 November 10th/11th
Game 1: Fr. Matthews (Cork) -V- Donoughmore BC (Cork)
Game 2: DCU Mercy (Dublin) -V- Glanmire Ladies BC (Cork)
Game 3: Oblate BC (Dublin) -V- Tralee Imperials (Kerry)
Game 4: UL BC (Limerick) -V-Brunell BC (Cork)

Quarter Finals December 1st/2nd
Game 1: DCU Mercy/Glanmire Ladies BC -V- Fr. Matthews/Donoughmore BC
Game 2: Killester BC (Dublin) V- St. Marys Castleisland (Kerry)
Game 3: WIT Wildcats (Waterford) V- Meteors BC (Dublin)
Game 4: UL BC/Brunell BC-V- Oblate BC/Tralee Imperials

Senior Womens National Cup 2012/13

Round 2 November 10th/11th
Game 1: Team Tom McCarthys St. Marys (Kerry) -V- Meteors BC (Dublin)
Game 2: Portlaoise Panthers (Laois) -V- Killester BC (Dublin)
Game 3: Foireann Chispheile na Gaillimhe (Galway) -V- Rathdown Ravens (Dublin)
Game 4: Oblate Dynamos (Dublin) -V- Donoughmore BC (Cork)
Game 5: Ballincollig BC -V- Firhouse Notre Dame BC (Dublin)

Quarter Finals December 8th/9th
Game 1: Britton Insurance Donegal Town (Donegal) -V- Tralee Imperials (Kerry)
Game 2: UL (Limerick) -V- Team Tom McCarthys St. Marys/Meteors BC
Game 3: Portlaoise Panthers/Killester BC -V- Foireann Chispheile na Gaillimhe/Rathdown Ravens
Game 4: Ballincollig BC/Firhouse Notre Dame BC -V- Oblate Dynamos/Donoughmore BC

Superleague Draw to follow in due course.

Courtesy .... Shane Whelan .... www.basketballireland.ie

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ISRAEL

ITALY

Cras Taranto sign Liron Cohen - by Eurobasket News

Cras Taranto sign Liron Cohen (173-G-82) for the upcoming season. The Israel national team player remains Italy but with another team.
In 2010-2011 she joined Famila Wuber Schio (Italy-A1, starting five) and in Euroleague averaged 11.7ppg, 2.9rpg, 3.6apg, FGP: 47.5%, 3PT: 34.7%, FT: 90.0%. In Italian League her stats read 8.0ppg, 2.5rpg, Assists-3 (3.0apg), 2.9spg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 38.6%, FT: 71.8%. In 2011-2012 continued for Famila Wuber Schio and in Euroleague after 18 games had 8.8ppg, 1.7rpg, 4.0apg, FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 26.8%, FT: 88.1%. In Italian League she showed 10.5ppg, 2.5rpg, Assists-2 (3.9apg), 1.5spg, FGP: 53.4%, 3PT: 38.4%, FT: 84.8%.
Earlier Liron Cohen played for Maxima Broker Kosice (Extraliga) and in Slovakian League had 8.8ppg, 1.2rpg, 6.0apg, 2.5spg, FT: 70.0%. In Euroleague she showed 12.5ppg, 2.3rpg, Assists-3 (5.3apg), FGP: 40.0%, 3PT: 28.8%, FT: 85.4%.
in Feb.'09 moved to at Besiktas Istanbul (Turkey-TBBL) and had 14.3ppg, 2.2rpg, 5.6apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 49.3%, 3PT: 41.2%, FT: 67.9%. In 2009-2010 the Israeli player spent with Wisla Can-Pack Krakow (Poland-PLKK, starting five). In Euroleague her stats read 10.4ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.8apg, FGP: 51.5%, 3PT: 35.8%, FT: 80.0%, while in Polish League after 27 games she showed 7.7ppg, 2.6rpg, Assists-1 (5.5apg), 1.4spg, FGP: 42.7%, 3PT: 36.8%, FT: 73.2%.

Alessandra Visconti joins C.U.S. Cagliari - by Eurobasket News

C.U.S. Cagliari (A1) agreed terms with 25-year old domestic swingman Alessandra Visconti (187-87). She played last season at Umbertide (A1). Visconti was a member of Italian U20 national team until 2006.

By Eurobasket Data Center

Giulia Leva inks with Omc Broni - by Eurobasket News

Giulia Leva (180-F/G-91) inks with Omc Broni for the next season. The Italian Swingman comes from Bologna.
In 2008-2009 she appeared for Cantina Sociale Broni (A2, starting five). In 2009-2010 moved to Meccanica Nova Bologna (A2) and in 2010-2011 averaged 2.5ppg, 1.4rpg, 0.9apg, 0.9spg. In 2011-2012 for Meccanica Nova Bologna (A2, starting five) her stats read 5.9ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.2spg, FGP: 36.6%, 3PT: 18.5%, FT: 76.8%.
Over the last few seasons she became Italian A2 North Finalist -10, 12 and Italian A2 North Regular Season Champion -11. Last year she was Italian U20 National Team member and participated at the European Championships U20 in Serbia. In 9 games her stats read 1.7ppg, 1.4rpg, 1.0apg.
Last year Giulia Leva became also Italian A2 Cup Winner and Italian A2 North Regular Season Runner-Up -12.

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NCAA1

Boise State joining Big West for non-football sports in 2013 - by Eurobasket News

Boise State has officially accepted an invitation to join the Big West Conference for non-football sports, the team announced on Friday. The Broncos will be competing in the Big West in Olympic sports, including men's and women's basketball, men's and women's golf, women's soccer and softball, women's softball, and a number of other non-football sports. The move will be official on July 1, 2013.

The move to the Big West is part of the move of the football team to the Big East in 2013.

"Boise State's membership in the Big West Conference complements our Big East Conference football presence and reflects our emerging coast-to-coast profile," Boise State President Bob Kustra stated. "We are truly excited by the prospects of competition and collaboration with all these new partners both athletically and academically. The Big West will be an outstanding home for the majority of our intercollegiate sports and will provide great opportunities for our student-athletes."

Boise State will have to pay a $2.5 million exit fee to join the Big West as part of the move out of the Mountain West conference, and will be paid annually over the next five years. The university will also have to pay a an travel fee of $750,000, for each conference team visiting for regular season competition.

Boise State will be joined by San Diego State in the Big West, whose football team is also joining the Big East in 2013.

Courtesy of www.sbnation.com

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PUERTO RICO

Morovis stays undefeated by winning on Thursday and Saturday: - by Luis Modestti

Montaneras de Morovis are 4-0 after winning over Piratas and Leonas.

On Thursday they defeated Piratas 74-64 led by Pamela Rosado (165-PG-86) who had 14 points while Angelina Williams and Carla Escalera netted 13 each.

Then on Saturday Morovis defeated Ponce 71-64.

Carolina is 3-1 after beating Valencianas de Juncox 82-51 led by Cynthia Valentin who scored 20 points and Yolanda Jones added 19 with 22 boards.

Monique Martin had 42 points to lead Tigresas de Aguas Buenas to their first win of the season over Leonas 107-67.

Piratas recovered after their first loss by winning over Valencianas 61-60. Cristina Centeno had 12 points for the winners.

The action continues on Sunday as Carolina visits Aguas Buenas.

Cabrera goes to Piratas: - by Luis Modestti

Yahimily Cabrera (G-82) was traded from Valencianas de Juncos to Piratas de Quebradillas for Michelle Pacheco (174-G-88, college: Manhattan).

Cabrera was the starting point guard of Valencianas and is also has the most championships in league history. He almost recorded a triple-double this season with 10 points, 100 rebounds and 9 assists earlier this year.

Pacheco hasn't made her debut this season and was a member of the Puerto Rican national team.

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SERBIA

Jelena Maksimovic moved to Turkey - by Dragana Vukovic

Jelena Maksimovic (192-C-82) signed one year deal with Turkish team Homend Antakya Belediyesi. Last two seasons Jelena Maksimovic played in Poland for Energa Torun. In both seasons she was at All Star games and in 2011 she was MVP of All Star game. Last season she was averaging 14.4 points and 7.6 rebounds. During this summer she was a part of Serbian National Team in Qualifications for European Championship 2013. She was averaging 6.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 0.5 assists during 13.3 minutes.

Dragana Gobeljic stays in Romania - by Dragana Vukovic

Management of CSM Sportul Studentesc Bucuresti announced that they have signed Serbian forward Dragana Gobeljic (185-F-88). Last season Dragana Gobeljic started with Proleter Zrenjanin averaging 19.4 points, 6.8b rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. In December she moved in Romanian team CS Nova Vita Targu Mures where she was averaging 12.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists during 29.4 minutes on the court. She helped her team to reach Semifinals of play offs.

Ines Ajanovic moves to Arras - by Tamara Ruzic

Ines Ajanovic (195-F-80, agency: LBM Management) signed one year deal with french club Arras Pays D'artois. The Serbian experienced center played last season for Lotos Gdynia, where she played in Polish league 14 games, averaged 6.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.2spg and in Euroleague played 11 games averaging 5.4ppg and .3rpg. In January '12 Ines Ajanovic moved to Pool Comense. She played 17 games, 7.6ppg, 3.1rpg and 1.2spg. She won Italian Cup '09 and was member of the national Serbian team '09 .

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SPAIN

Dutch National Team player Myrthe Beld joins Uni Girona - by Eurobasket News

Uni Girona continues with signings for the upcoming season. According to Dutch Basketball Federation, they landed Myrthe Beld (183-G-89, agency: Regeneracom Sports) to a 1-year deal. Beld is active member of Dutch National Team since 2008. The player had 8.9 ppg, 1.9 apg and 1.8 rpg for 8 games in 2013 EuroBasket Qualifications. Last season Beld spent with the German team TV Saarlouis Royals. She had 11.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg and 2.6 apg for 20 games in DBBL. Before Saarlouis, Myrthe Beld played several years for Eurosped Twente Tubbergen. In 2011 she was named Eurobasket.com All-Dutch Eredivisie Domestic Player of the Year. Beld averaged amazing 27.4 points, 6.1 assists, 5.3 steals and 4 rebounds for 20 Eredivisie games that season. In the past, she very successfully played for Dutch youth National Teams. In 2009, she won the gold medal with U20 Holland at U20 EuroBasket Division B in Ohrid.

UNB Obenasa signs PF/C Laura Herrera - by Eurobasket News

UNB Obenasa reinforced its roster under the basket. The Spanish team officially announced signing of PF/C Laura Herrera (190-C/F-89, agency: Josep and Nicolas) for the upcoming season. She spent the last one with Burgos averaging 4 points and 2.5 rebounds for 25 LFB games. In 2010/11, Herrera was a member of Riva Ecopolis, but she also had limited playing time. The player registered 2.7 ppg and 2.5 rpg for 26 games in Spain, plus 2.1 ppg for 9 Euroleague appearances. They won the LFB Cup together that year. In 2010, Laura Herrera was named Eurobasket.com All-Spanish LFB Newcomer of the Year. She played for Estudiantes Madrid averaging 9.1 points and 4.9 rebounds for 26 games. Herrera also played for Spanish U18 and U20 National Teams in the last. She won the gold medal at U18 EuroBasket in Tenerife (2006) and silver medal at U20 EuroBasket in Gdynia (2009).

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WNBA

Standings

WNBA Standings

Eastern
1. Connecticut S.		19-6
2. Indiana F.		16-8
3. Atlanta D.		13-13
4. Chicago S.		9-15
5. New York L.		9-16
6. Washington M.		6-20
Western
1. Minnesota L.		21-4
2. L.Angeles S.		18-8
3. S.Antonio SS		17-8
4. Seattle S.		12-14
5. Tulsa S.		6-20
6. Phoenix M.		5-19

Regular Season: Round 30

Aug. 30: Tulsa S. - L.Angeles S. 99-85
Aug. 31: Minnesota L. - Tulsa S. 92-83
Aug. 30: Atlanta D. - Washington M. 82-59
Aug. 30: S.Antonio SS - Connecticut S. 73-84
Aug. 30: Seattle S. - Phoenix M. 68-75
Aug. 30: New York L. - Indiana F. 63-76

Regular Season: Round 31

Sep. 1: New York L. - Washington M.
Sep. 1: Indiana F. - Chicago S.
Sep. 1: Phoenix M. - S.Antonio SS
Sep. 2: Atlanta D. - Connecticut S.
Sep. 2: Chicago S. - L.Angeles S.

Latest games (6): Balanced scoring helps Lynx beat Shock - by Eurobasket News

Minnesota L. - Tulsa S. 92-83
Rebekkah Brunson (6'3''-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Georgetown) had 19 points and 11 rebounds, leading the Minnesota Lynx to a 92-83 victory over the Tulsa Shock on Friday night. Maya Moore and Lindsay Whalen (5'9''-PG-82, college: Minnesota) also scored 19 points for the Lynx, who have won eight in a row. Seimone Augustus had 18 points and Taj McWilliams-Franklin donated 14 points and seven boards. Riquna Williams had 21 points to lead the Shock, who fell to 6-20 on the season. Ivory Latta added 19 points. Minnesota, which trailed 56-48 at the half, outscored Tulsa by a 29-11 margin in the third quarter. *Courtesy of www.piercecountyherald.com

Atlanta D. - Washington M. 82-59
Erika De Souza (6'6''-C-82, agency: Josep and Nicolas) had 21 points and 10 rebounds, the Atlanta Dream dominated the second half and defeated the Washington Mystics 82-59 on Thursday night to give coach Fred Williams his first victory. Lindsay Hardin added 16 points and Tiffany Hayes scored 15 for the Dream (13-13), who were again without WNBA scoring leader Angel McCoughtry. Atlanta outscored the Mystics 51-28 after trailing 33-31 at halftime. Monique Currie had 14 points and Crystal Langhorne scored 13 for Washington (5-20). They Mystics are 1-6 since the Olympic break McCoughtry was suspended indefinitely for violating an unspecified team rule after Williams took over as general manager and coach from Marynell Meadors before Tuesday's home loss to Tulsa. *Courtesy of www.wusa9.com

S.Antonio SS - Connecticut S. 73-84
Tina Charles (6'4''-C-88, agency: LBM Management, college: Connecticut) scored 22 points to lead the Connecticut Sun to an 84-73 victory over the San Antonio Silver Stars on Thursday night. Kara Lawson (5'8''-PG-81, college: Tennessee) added 14 points, and Renee Montgomery and Kelsey Griffin each had 13 for Connecticut (19-6). Danielle Adams scored 22 points and Sophia Young added 20 for San Antonio (17-8). Becky Hammon was held to eight points while taking only three shots. Connecticut, which holds the league's best road record at 10-2, snapped San Antonio's nine-game winning streak at home. After exchanging baskets for much of the first quarter, the Eastern Conference-leading Sun took command in the second. Connecticut raced to a 14-point lead midway through the quarter while holding San Antonio scoreless for a 4:17 span. *Courtesy of www.sacbee.com

New York L. - Indiana F. 63-76
After a sluggish first half for both teams, Indiana picked up its play in the third quarter. When New York nearly got even early in the fourth, the Fever again ran away from the Liberty. Tamika Catchings (6'1''-SF-79, college: Tennessee) scored 22 points and Katie Douglas (6'1''-G/F-79, college: Purdue) had 15 to lead Indiana to a 76-63 victory over New York on Thursday night. Shavonte Zellous added 11 points to help the Fever (16-8) win their fourth straight and sixth in seven games since the league's monthlong Olympic break. "This was a game we needed to win," Catchings said. "We came out really focused and determined to do a good job. I don't think we started the game off the way that we should've and are capable of. The third quarter in the first couple of minutes, we got the rhythm getting up and down the court." The Fever remained 2 1/2 games behind first-place Connecticut in the Eastern Conference with 10 games remaining. Atlanta, which has eight left, is four games behind Indiana. *Courtesy of http://online.wsj.com

Tulsa S. - L.Angeles S. 99-85
Ivory Latta (5'6''-PG-84, college: N.Carolina) tallied 21 points and 14 assists in the Tulsa Shock's 99-85 win over the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday. Glory Johnson (6'3''-F-90, college: Tennessee) had 16 points and six rebounds, while Amber Holt and Jennifer Lacy added 14 points apiece for Tulsa, which won its second straight game. Kristi Toliver netted 17 of her 21 points in the opening half for Los Angeles, which had its nine-game winning streak snapped. Latta, filling in for an injured Temeka Johnson, had seven of her career-high 14 assists in the third quarter. Tulsa was 14-of-24 from three-point range (58.3 percent) and recorded 27 points off 18 Los Angeles turnovers. *Courtesy of www.foxnews.com

Seattle S. - Phoenix M. 68-75
DeWanna Bonner (6'4''-G-87, agency: Josep and Nicolas, college: Auburn) scored 24 points, Samantha Prahalis (5'7''-PG-90, college: Ohio St.) added 16 and Diana Taurasi had 13 to help the Phoenix Mercury beat the Seattle Storm 75-68 on Thursday night to end a 10-game losing streak. Bonner, who had 11 rebounds, scored 13 points in the second half to help Phoenix (5-19) defeat the Storm for the first time in four games this season. Camille Little had 11 points to lead Seattle (11-14) while Tanisha Wright added 10 points and eight rebounds. Reserve Tina Thompson had 10 points. Lauren Jackson shot just 2 of 8 from the field and had six points for the Storm while Sue Bird was 3 of 9 from the field and finished with eight points and eight assists. The Mercury broke from a 54-all tie by outscoring Seattle 13-2 to start the fourth quarter. *Courtesy of www.komonews.com

Jessica Moore signs with Sun through 2012 - by Eurobasket News

The Connecticut Sun announced today it has signed Jessica Moore (6'3''-C-82, college: Connecticut) through the end of the season.

As per team policy, terms were not released.

Moore appeared in 29 games for the Sun in 2011, collecting 48 points and 23 rebounds in limited minutes off the bench. The 6-foot-3 forward/center was not re-signed in 2012 because she was not physically ready to play at the start of the season. She eventually signed with Atlanta, but was waived by the Dream. Connecticut signed her to a seven-day contract earlier in the month.

Moore has appeared in three games for the Sun this season. She was 2-for-2 with four points in the win at Chicago Tuesday.

Courtesy of www.oursportscentral.com